Shloka 23
Adhyāya 9: Pratiśruta-Dāna
The Duty to Fulfill Promised Gifts
पुत्रान् पौत्रान् पशुंश्वैव बान्धवान् सचिवांस्तथा । पुरं जनपदं चैव शान्तिरिष्टेन पोषयेत्
putrān pautrān paśūṃś caiva bāndhavān sacivāṃs tathā | puraṃ janapadaṃ caiva śāntir iṣṭena poṣayet ||
毗湿摩说道：“凭借所择之正行（iṣṭa）的功德，一人便成为安宁与福祉之源，养护并利益其子孙、亲族、牲畜、辅臣，亦及其城邑与广阔乡野。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Righteous, approved action (iṣṭa) generates peace (śānti) that extends beyond the individual, sustaining family, dependents, and the political community (ministers, city, and realm). Dharma is presented as a practical force that nourishes society.
In Bhishma’s instruction on conduct and duties, he explains to the listener that a person’s meritorious practice makes him a stabilizing presence, enabling the prosperity and maintenance of his household and the wider community under his influence.