Shloka 12
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
न हिंस्यात् परवित्तानि देयं काले च दापयेत् । विक्रान्त: सत्यवाक् क्षान्तो नृपो न चलते पथ:
na hiṁsyāt paravittāni deyaṁ kāle ca dāpayet | vikrāntaḥ satyavāk kṣānto nṛpo na calate pathaḥ ||
毗湿摩教诲说：君王不可损害或毁坏他人之财，当使凡属应得之物皆于适当之时如期给付。统治者若勇毅、言必信、能忍能恕，便不致偏离王道与达摩的正途。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is to protect others’ property, ensure timely fulfillment of dues, and cultivate courage, truthfulness, and patience; these virtues keep rulership aligned with the righteous path.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on rājadharma, Bhīṣma is advising the king on practical ethical governance—non-injury to subjects’ wealth, proper administration of payments, and the personal virtues required for stable, righteous rule.