Shloka 9

Mantri-Parīkṣā — Testing Ministers, Securing Counsel, and Ethical Criteria for Advisers (अध्याय ८४)

Devanagari script

अर्थमानार्घ्यसत्कारैभोगिरुच्चावचै: प्रियान्‌

Transliteration

arthamānārghyasatkārair bhogair uccāvacaiḥ priyān

Translation

毗湿摩指出：应以相称的财物、恭敬的馈赠与礼遇，并按其身份供给种种安适与享受（或高或下），来笼络并维系亲近之人的善意。其伦理旨趣在于：社会和合与忠诚，赖于适时的慷慨、合乎礼法的款待与体恤的对待，而非怠慢或苛厉。

Word by Word

• अर्थमानैः: with gifts of wealth (valuable presents)
• अर्थमानैः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: अर्थमान
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• अर्घ्यसत्कारैः: with arghya-offerings and honors
• अर्घ्यसत्कारैः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: अर्घ्यसत्कार
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• भोगैः: with enjoyments/luxuries
• भोगैः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: भोग
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• उच्चावचैः: with various (high and low; diverse)
• उच्चावचैः: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: उच्चावच
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• प्रियान्: beloved (persons)
• प्रियान्: Karma
• Type: Adjective
• Root: प्रिय
• Form: Masculine, Accusative, Plural

Speaker

भीष्म उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Bhishma

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

Maintain goodwill and social stability through appropriate generosity—honoring people with respect, gifts, and suitable comforts—tailored to their position and needs.

What is happening in the narrative?

In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on righteous conduct and governance, Bhīṣma is advising on practical means of securing loyalty and harmony: honoring valued persons through respectful reception, offerings, and provisions.