Shloka 14
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
सपत्नसहिते कार्य कृत्वा सन्धिं न विश्वसेत् । अपक्रामेत् ततः शीघ्र कृतकार्यो विचक्षण:
sapatnasahite kārya kṛtvā sandhiṃ na viśvaset | apakrāmet tataḥ śīghraṃ kṛtakāryo vicakṣaṇaḥ ||
Wika ni Bhishma: “Kapag kailangang magsagawa ng gawain sa piling ng karibal, kahit matapos ang kasunduan ay huwag pa ring magtiwala rito. Kapag natamo na ang layunin, ang taong may pag-unawa ay dapat umalis agad mula roon.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
In dealings with an adversary, a treaty may be a necessary instrument, but it should not become a basis for complacent trust. Prudence requires securing one’s aim and then promptly removing oneself from vulnerability.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on conduct and polity, Bhīṣma continues advising Yudhiṣṭhira on practical ethics (nīti): how to behave when compelled to negotiate or cooperate with an enemy, emphasizing caution and timely withdrawal after success.