Shloka 7
Śaraṇāgatapālana—Prastāvanā
Protection of the Refuge-Seeker: Opening of the Kapota Narrative
नित्यमुद्यतदण्ड: स्यान्नित्यं विवृतपौरुष: । अच्छिद्रश्छिद्रदर्शी च परेषां विवरानुग:
nityam udyatadaṇḍaḥ syān nityaṁ vivṛtapauruṣaḥ | acchidraś chidradarśī ca pareṣāṁ vivarānugaḥ ||
毗湿摩曰：王者当恒常执持刑杖（danda），常显刚决与进取之勇。自家不可留罅隙，而须时时察敌之弱；一旦得见敌之破绽，便当即刻乘隙而入，逼迫进攻。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma teaches rājadharma: effective rule requires constant readiness to enforce law (daṇḍa), visible courage and initiative, self-discipline to avoid internal weaknesses, and strategic vigilance to exploit an adversary’s vulnerabilities when necessary.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on kingship and governance. Here he gives a concise maxim on maintaining order through daṇḍa, strengthening one’s own position, and monitoring enemies for openings.