Shloka 21
Gaṇānāṃ Vṛttiḥ — On the Sustenance and Cohesion of Assemblies
Gaṇa-nīti
द्रव्यवन्तश्न शूराश्व शस्त्रज्ञा: शास्त्रपारगा: । कृच्छास्वापत्सु सम्मूढान् गणा: संतारयन्ति ते
dravyavantaś ca śūrāś ca śastrajñāḥ śāstrapāragāḥ | kṛcchrāsv āpatsu sammūḍhān gaṇāḥ santārayanti te ||
Wika ni Bhishma: Sa isang pamayanang pinamumunuan ng gaṇa (kapulungan), ang mga mamamayan ay masagana, matatapang, bihasa sa mga sandata, at malalim ang kaalaman sa mga śāstra na kinikilalang may kapangyarihan. Ang gayong mga pamayanan ay patuloy na sumasagip sa mga taong, kapag dumating ang mabibigat na kapahamakan, ay nalilito—inaakay silang muli sa kaligtasan at sa wastong asal.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights an ethical ideal of collective governance: a well-formed community—prosperous, brave, trained in practical skills, and grounded in śāstra—does not abandon the vulnerable. In crises, it actively ‘ferries across’ the confused and afflicted, making public welfare and moral guidance a shared civic duty.
Within Bhishma’s instruction in the Śānti Parva on polity and dharma, he describes the qualities and benefits of a gaṇa-based state/community. He notes that such citizens, being capable and learned, repeatedly help those who become overwhelmed during severe hardships, ensuring social stability and protection.