Shloka 84
Vyāghra–Gomāyu Saṃvāda (व्याघ्रगोमायु संवाद) — Testing Character Beneath Appearances
शंकितस्त्वमहं भीत: परच्छिद्रानुदर्शिन: । अस्निग्धाश्वैव दुस्तोषा: कर्म चैतद् बहुच्छलम्
śaṅkitas tv ahaṃ bhītaḥ paracchidra-anudarśinaḥ | asnigdhāś caiva duṣṭoṣāḥ karma caitad bahu-chalam ||
毗湿摩说道：“我忧惧不安，怕陛下会疑我。况且陛下的侍从们总在窥伺他人之过；他们对我毫无情分，要使他们满意更是难上加难。而为臣为相之事，本也充满种种欺诈与权谋。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights the ethical danger in political life: suspicion, fault-finding courtiers, and the inherently tricky nature of ministerial work can distort judgment and relationships. Governance requires vigilance about motives and the corrosive effects of intrigue.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on governance and conduct, Bhishma speaks from experience, expressing fear of being mistrusted and pointing to the hostile, fault-seeking attendants around the ruler, while also remarking that ministerial duties often involve stratagems and deception.