Shloka 23
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
नालसाः: प्राप्तुवन्त्यर्थानू न क्लीबा नाभिमानिन: । न च लोकरवाद् भीता न वै शश्चत् प्रतीक्षिण:
nālasāḥ prāpnuvanty arthān na klībā nābhimāninaḥ | na ca lokaravād bhītā na vai śaśvat pratīkṣiṇaḥ ||
毗湿摩说道：懒惰者不能得其所求；怯懦者不能；傲慢者亦不能。惧怕世人议论者不能；永远等待“良机”者亦不能。无论在法（dharma）之事，还是在世间成就之途，成功属于坚定而勇敢的人——行事不自矜，不畏流言。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches that success in rightful aims requires active effort and inner strength: laziness, cowardice, ego, fear of public criticism, and endless postponement are obstacles that prevent attainment.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction section, Bhīṣma is advising Yudhiṣṭhira on conduct and practical ethics after the war, emphasizing qualities needed to accomplish dharmic and worldly objectives.