Dama-pradhāna-dharma (Self-restraint as the Root of Dharma) — Śānti-parva 154
देवदेवप्रसादाच्च क्षिप्रं फलमवाप्यते । यदि मनुष्य उकताहटमें न पड़कर दृढ़ एवं प्रबल निश्चयके साथ प्रयत्न करता रहे तो देवाधिदेव भगवान् शिवके प्रसादसे शीघ्र ही मनोवांछित फल पा लेता है
devadeva-prasādāc ca kṣipraṁ phalam avāpyate |
Wika ni Bhishma: Sa biyaya ng Diyos ng mga diyos, mabilis na natatamo ng tao ang ninanais na bunga. Kung ang isang tao, nang hindi nahuhulog sa pag-aalinlangan o pag-uurong-sulong, ay patuloy na nagsisikap na may matatag at makapangyarihang pasya, kung gayon sa pabor ni Panginoong Śiva—ang Kataas-taasan sa mga diyos—agad niyang makakamtan ang bungang hinahanap niya.
भीष्म उवाच
Steady effort supported by unwavering determination becomes fruitful, and when joined with divine grace—here identified with Śiva’s favor—the desired result is attained swiftly. The verse emphasizes both human initiative (dṛḍha-niścaya, sustained striving) and the completing power of prasāda (grace).
In the Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on right conduct and the means to attain welfare. Here he states a general principle: perseverance without hesitation, combined with the grace of the supreme deity (Śiva), leads quickly to success.