Shloka 28
Dasyu-maryādā and Buddhi-guided Rāja-nīti (दस्युमर्यादा तथा बुद्धिप्रधान-राजनीति)
सर्वेषां कृतवैराणामविश्वास: सुखोदय: । एकान्ततो न विश्वास: कार्यो विश्वासघातकै:ः
sarveṣāṁ kṛtavairāṇām aviśvāsaḥ sukhodayaḥ | ekāntato na viśvāsaḥ kāryo viśvāsaghātakaiḥ ||
梵摩达多说道：“凡已陷入仇怨者，保全自身安宁的稳妥之道，就是彼此不相轻信。对背信之人，切莫全然托付；因为错置的信赖，开启的是祸患之门，而非幸福之路。”
ब्रह्मदत्त उवाच
Educational Q&A
In situations of established enmity, prudent restraint is advised: do not rely on an enemy’s goodwill, and never give unconditional trust to those known to betray confidence. The verse frames distrust not as cynicism but as a protective discipline that prevents avoidable suffering.
Brahmadatta is delivering counsel in the didactic mode typical of the Śānti Parva, emphasizing practical ethics and political prudence. Here he warns that where hostility or treachery is already proven, trusting behavior becomes dangerous and undermines one’s security and peace.