Adhyāya 128 — Proposal to Restrain Keśava; Sātyaki’s Warning and Vidura–Dhṛtarāṣṭra Counsel
वश्येन्द्रियं जितामात्यं धृतदण्डं विकारिषु | परीक्ष्यकारिणं धीरमत्यर्थ श्रीनिषेवते
vaśyendriyaṃ jitāmātyaṃ dhṛtadaṇḍaṃ vikāriṣu | parīkṣyakāriṇaṃ dhīram atyarthaṃ śrī niṣevate ||
جس نے اپنی حِسّیات کو قابو میں رکھا، اپنے وزیروں کو درست حد میں رکھا، بدکاروں پر مضبوطی سے سزا نافذ کی، اور پوری جانچ کے بعد ہی کام کیا—ایسے ثابت قدم و صاحبِ بصیرت مرد کی خدمت میں شری (لکشمی/بخت) فراوانی سے حاضر رہتی ہے۔
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Prosperity follows disciplined leadership: mastery over one’s senses, firm control of the administrative apparatus, just punishment of offenders, and careful deliberation before action are presented as the ethical foundations upon which Śrī (fortune and royal splendor) naturally rests.
Vaiśampāyana states a general maxim on ideal rulership and conduct, describing the qualities of a steady, prudent man—especially a ruler—whose governance and self-restraint attract and sustain prosperity.