Shloka 8
Bala and Dharma in Kṣatriya Governance (बल-धर्म सम्बन्धः)
अवरोधान् जुगुप्सेत का सपत्नधने दया । न त्वेवात्मा प्रदातव्य: शक्ये सति कथंचन
bhīṣma uvāca | avarodhān jugupset kā sapatnadhane dayā | na tvevātma pradātavyaḥ śakye sati kathaṃcana ||
Kapag sumalakay ang kaaway, dapat munang sikaping ingatan ng hari ang loob ng palasyo. Ngunit kung ito’y nasakop na, dapat putulin ang pagkapit at pagnanasa roon; sapagkat ano pa ang silbi ng awa sa yaman at mga taong umaasa na napasakamay na ng karibal? Hangga’t maaari, huwag kailanman ipahulog ang sarili sa kamay ng kaaway.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
In crisis, especially during enemy assault, a ruler must act with clear-eyed prudence: protect the inner quarters first, but if they are captured, do not indulge in futile pity for what is already under enemy control; above all, do not allow oneself to be captured when escape or resistance is possible, since the king’s survival is necessary for restoring dharma and protecting the polity.
Bhishma is instructing Yudhishthira on rajadharma in the Shanti Parva, giving hard counsel about wartime priorities: safeguarding the palace’s inner apartments, recognizing when a position is lost, withdrawing attachment, and ensuring the ruler does not fall into enemy hands.