Shloka 21
Dhaumya’s Counsel on Incognito Conduct in a Royal Household (राजवसतौ आचरण-निति)
नहि पुत्र न नप्तारं न भ्रातरमरिंदमा: । समतिक्रान्तमर्यादं पूजयन्ति नराधिपा:,क्योंकि शत्रुविजयी राजालोग मर्यादाका उल्लंघन करनेवाले अपने पुत्र, नाती-पोते और भाईका भी आदर नहीं करते
nahi putra na naptāraṃ na bhrātaram arindamaḥ | samatikrāntamaryādaṃ pūjayanti narādhipāḥ ||
O manlulupig ng mga kaaway, hindi iginagalang ng mga hari kahit ang sarili nilang anak, apo, o kapatid kung siya’y lumabag sa hangganan ng wastong asal. Ang pagtingin ng hari ay pinamamahalaan ng dharma at kaayusang panlipunan, hindi lamang ng ugnayang dugo.
धौग्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma and maryādā (proper limits of conduct) outweigh mere kinship: a ruler must withhold honor from anyone—son, grandson, or brother—who violates ethical and social boundaries.
Dhaumya is giving counsel framed in royal ethics, stressing that kings prioritize order and righteousness; even close relatives lose respect and standing if they transgress accepted norms.