Shloka 17
मृत्यु-काल-प्रबोधनम् (Instruction on Mortality, Time, and Truth) — Mahābhārata, Śānti-parva 169
कुलीना वाक्यसम्पन्ना ज्ञानविज्ञानकोविदा: । रूपवन्तो गुणोपेतास्तथा5लुब्धा जितश्रमा:
kulīnā vākyasampannā jñānavijñānakovidāḥ | rūpavanto guṇopetās tathā alubdhā jitśramāḥ ||
بھیشم نے کہا— بادشاہ کو دوست وہی بنانے چاہییں جو عالی نسب ہوں، گفتار میں کامل ہوں، علم و حکمت میں ماہر ہوں، خوش صورت اور صاحبِ اوصاف ہوں، لالچ سے پاک ہوں اور کوشش میں کبھی نہ تھکنے والے ہوں۔
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should form close alliances only with people of proven character—noble conduct, articulate counsel, learned and practically wise, virtuous, non-greedy, and tireless—because such friends strengthen righteous governance and prevent corruption driven by self-interest.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on governance and dharma, Bhishma is advising the king (Yudhishthira in the broader context) about the criteria for selecting trustworthy friends and associates, emphasizing moral and intellectual qualifications over mere advantage.