Shloka 39
Daṇḍa as the Foundation of Social Order (दण्डप्रतिष्ठा)
न संवत्सरसत्राणि तिष्ठेयुरकुतो भया: । विधिवद् दक्षिणावन्ति यदि दण्डो न पालयेत्,यदि दण्ड धर्मका पालन न करावे तो विधि-पूर्वक दक्षिणाओंसे युक्त संवत्सरयज्ञ भी बेखटके न होने पावे
na saṁvatsarasatrāṇi tiṣṭheyuḥ akuto-bhayāḥ | vidhivad dakṣiṇāvanti yadi daṇḍo na pālayet ||
阿周那说：“若不维持惩罚之力（daṇḍa），即便那历时一年的祭会（saṃvatsara-satra）也不能无惧无碍地进行，更不能依仪轨以所规定的赠礼（dakṣiṇā）圆满完成。若不以 daṇḍa 执行 dharma，有序的宗教生活本身亦难以维系。”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
That dharma in society—including the safe performance of sacred rites—depends on the rightful upholding of daṇḍa (lawful punishment/enforcement). Without enforcement, even religious institutions become insecure and cannot function properly.
Arjuna is arguing that governance and the maintenance of order are necessary supports for dharma. He points to the example of long Vedic sacrificial sessions: they can proceed fearlessly and with proper ritual gifts only when daṇḍa is upheld.