Bhīṣma on the Śara-Śayyā: Yudhiṣṭhira and Kṛṣṇa Approach the Eldest for Śānti
सत्ये तपसि दाने च यज्ञाधिकरणे तथा । धनुर्वेदे च वेदे च नीत्यां चैवानुरक्षणे
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
satye tapasi dāne ca yajñādhikaraṇe tathā |
dhanurvede ca vede ca nītyāṃ caivānurakṣaṇe |
Wika ni Vaiśampāyana: “Sa katotohanan, pag-aayuno, at pagkakaloob; sa wastong pagsasagawa at pamamahala ng yajña; sa ganap na pagkatuto sa agham ng pana at sa Veda; at sa pamamahalang-bayan kasama ang pag-iingat sa mga mamamayan—sa lahat ng ito, wala akong narinig na ibang dakilang mandirigmang-karwahe na kapantay mo.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Excellence is measured not only by martial skill but by a complete dharmic profile: truthfulness, disciplined austerity, generosity, correct ritual responsibility, scriptural learning, sound policy, and the protective care of subjects.
Within the Śānti Parva’s instruction on dharma and governance, Vaiśampāyana reports praise that highlights a warrior-ruler’s comprehensive virtues—linking Vedic authority, military competence, and ethical kingship through the duty of protecting the people.