Shloka 19
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
अभृतानां भवेद् भर्ता भूतानामन्ववेक्षक: । नृपति: सुमुखश्न स्यात् स्मितपूर्वाभिभाषिता
abhṛtānāṁ bhaved bhartā bhūtānām anvavekṣakaḥ | nṛpatiḥ sumukhaś ca syāt smitapūrvābhibhāṣitā ||
毗湿摩说道：君王当为无人供养者作依怙，又当细察并护持一切在其庇荫之下的众生福祉。统治者应常怀和颜悦色，先以温柔的微笑开口—使政令被感受为抚育之恩，而非恐惧之威。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A king’s dharma is twofold: materially support those without protectors and actively supervise the welfare of all subjects; additionally, he should govern with a pleasant demeanor and gentle speech, making authority humane and approachable.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on rajadharma, Bhishma advises the king on practical ethics of rule—public welfare, oversight of dependents, and the importance of courteous, reassuring conduct in daily governance.