Shloka 31
Daṇḍa-svarūpa-nirūpaṇa
The Nature, Forms, and Function of Daṇḍa
व्यक्तश्चानुग्रहो यस्य यथार्थश्चापि निग्रह: । गुप्तात्मा गुप्तराष्ट्रश्न स राजा राजधर्मवित्
vyaktaś cānugraho yasya yathārthaś cāpi nigrahaḥ | guptātmā guptarāṣṭraś ca sa rājā rājadharmavit ||
Sinabi ni Bhishma: Ang haring ang pabor ay hayag sa lahat, ang parusa ay ipinapataw lamang dahil sa tunay at nararapat na dahilan, at ang sarili at kaharian ay mahigpit na binabantayan—ang gayong pinuno ang tunay na nakaaalam ng mga tungkulin ng paghahari.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A righteous king balances two public functions: visible benevolence (anugraha) that reassures and supports the people, and justified punishment (nigraha) that is applied only for real and fitting causes. Alongside this, he maintains prudent self-control and protects the realm; these together define true knowledge of rājadharma.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on kingship, Bhishma is advising Yudhishthira on the marks of a competent and dharmic ruler. This verse summarizes the ideal: transparent kindness, principled discipline, and vigilant protection of both the ruler’s person/counsel and the kingdom.