Shloka 24
अध्याय ५७ — राज्ञः नित्यप्रयत्नः, रक्षा-प्रधानता, तथा त्याग-नीतिः
Chapter 57: Constant Royal Vigilance, Primacy of Protection, and Principles of Dismissal
विद्याविदो लोकविद: परलोकान्ववेक्षकान् | धर्मे च निरतान् साधूनचलानचलानिव
vidyāvido lokavidaḥ paralokān vavekṣakān | dharme ca niratān sādhūn acalān acalān iva ||
毗湿摩说道：“国王应常选取为辅佐者：通达真知者，谙熟世道者，并警醒于来世——即行为之道德果报者。他们当坚住于达摩，真诚善良，稳固如山。如此之人——勇敢忠诚，不易为敌所离间；出身高贵，体健端正；举止有礼，与雅士相交；自重而不辱人——当以富贵相酬。国王应赐其享用几同己身；唯在两事上高于他们：执王伞之徽与发号施令之权。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler should appoint as close aides only those who combine learning, practical worldly competence, moral foresight, and unwavering commitment to dharma; such people deserve honor and near-equal comfort, with the king retaining only the formal symbols and authority of sovereignty.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on righteous governance, Bhishma is advising the king on how to select and reward dependable supporters—men of virtue, steadiness, and social refinement—so that the kingdom is strengthened by loyal, ethically grounded counsel.