Shloka 5
धन-राजधर्म संवादः
Discourse on Wealth and Royal Duty
क्लीबस्य हि कुतो राज्यं दीर्घसूत्रस्य वा पुन: । किमर्थ च महीपालानवधी: क्रोधमूर्छित:,किसी कायर या आलसीको कैसे राज्य प्राप्त हो सकता है? यदि आपको यही करना था तो किसलिये क्रोधसे विकल होकर इतने राजाओंका वध किया और कराया?
klībasya hi kuto rājyaṃ dīrghasūtrasya vā punaḥ | kimarthaṃ ca mahīpālān avadhīḥ krodhamūrcchitaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Arjuna: “Paano magkakamit ng kaharian ang isang walang-lakas o isang duwag? At paano rin makakamit iyon ng isang tamad at laging nagpapaliban? Kung ito rin pala ang kahihinatnan, bakit—nalulunod sa galit—pumatay ka, at nag-utos na pumatay, ng napakaraming hari?”
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical critique of violence driven by anger and the inconsistency of pursuing sovereignty without the courage and disciplined resolve required for righteous rule. It implies that kingship demands steadiness and purpose; otherwise, bloodshed becomes morally indefensible.
Arjuna challenges the rationale behind the slaughter of many kings, questioning why such massive killing occurred if the intended outcome is withdrawal, weakness, or indecision. His words frame a moral reckoning about the costs of war and the responsibility of those who initiate or enable it.