Shloka 56
Nīti-upadeśa to a Rājaputra: Self-restraint, Alliances, and Rival-Management (नीतिउपदेशः)
अप्यमित्राणि सेवस्व प्रणिपत्य कृताञज्जलि: । मुनिने कहा--राजन्! तुम दम्भ, काम, क्रोध, हर्ष और भयको त्यागकर हाथ जोड़ मस्तक झुकाकर शत्रुओंकी भी सेवा करो
apy amitrāṇi sevasva praṇipatya kṛtāñjaliḥ |
Wika ni Bhishma: “O hari, maging ang iyong mga kaaway ay dapat paglingkuran—lumapit ka nang mapagpakumbaba, yumuko, at magtagpo ang mga palad sa paggalang. Ipinapakita ng payong ito ang mahigpit na pagpipigil-sa-sarili at mapanuring pagpapakumbaba: talikdan ang pagmamataas at bugso ng pagnanasa, upang mapangalagaan ang dharma at mapanatili ang kapayapaan, kahit sa pakikitungo sa mga kalaban.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches disciplined humility: for the sake of dharma and stable rule, a king should restrain ego and passions and be willing, when appropriate, to show respectful conduct—even toward enemies—to prevent greater harm and secure peace.
In Shanti Parva, Bhishma instructs Yudhishthira on rājadharma (the duties of kings). Here he advises a posture of respectful submission—bowing with joined hands—toward adversaries when it serves righteous governance and the larger good.