Shloka 27
राजधर्मः—प्रजापालनं दानयज्ञश्च
Royal Duty—Protection of Subjects, Generosity, and Sacrificial Discipline
समन्ततो विनियतो वहत्यस्खलितो हि यः । निर्दोष: कर्मवचनात् सिद्धि: कर्मण एव सा
samantato viniyato vahaty askhalito hi yaḥ | nirdoṣaḥ karmavacanāt siddhiḥ karmaṇa eva sā ||
毗湿摩说道：凡能在四方之中约束其心与诸根，稳稳承担加诸自身之职责而从不踉跄失足者，便不招过失。因为经典训诫人当行事；故对国王而言，真正的成就来自履行其所被规定的本分之业——而非仅凭遁入林野、苦行修持而求得。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Self-mastery and steadfast performance of one’s assigned duty leads to blamelessness and success; for rulers especially, scripture validates accomplishment through responsible action rather than abandoning obligations for ascetic retreat.
In the Shanti Parva’s instruction on dharma, Bhishma advises the listener that a king should not seek spiritual or moral ‘success’ by withdrawing to the forest; instead, he must govern and fulfill royal responsibilities with disciplined senses and unwavering resolve.