Bhṛtya-niyoga: Role-appropriate appointment of servants and protection of the royal treasury (भृत्यनियोगः कोशरक्षणं च)
संगृहीतजनो<स्तब्ध: प्रसन्नचदन: सदा । सदा भृत्यजनापेक्षी न क्रोधी सुमहामना:
saṅgṛhītajano 'stabdhaḥ prasannavadanaḥ sadā | sadā bhṛtyajanāpekṣī na krodhī sumahāmanāḥ ||
Itinuturo ni Bhishma na ang pinuno ay dapat magtipon at magpanatili ng mabubuting tao, talikuran ang mapurol na katigasan, at laging magtaglay ng maaliwalas na anyo. Dapat siyang maging mapagmatyag sa pangangailangan ng mga lingkod at umaasa, huwag magpadala sa galit kaninuman, at panatilihin ang pusong maluwang at mapagbigay—upang manatili ang pagkakasundo at ang pamamahalang matuwid.
भीष्म उवाच
A ruler or responsible person should cultivate people through kindness and steadiness: be approachable (not rigid or arrogant), keep a pleasant demeanor, care for servants and dependents, avoid anger, and remain magnanimous—these traits preserve loyalty and dharmic order.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Bhishma is advising Yudhishthira on the qualities of an ideal leader—how to relate to people, manage temperament, and sustain a harmonious household or kingdom.