12.158
Yudhishthira said.
O Bhārata, I always recognize compassion by seeing the virtuous; I do not recognize the cruel or their actions.
Just as men avoid thorns, a well, and fire, so too do men avoid a man who performs cruel deeds.
O Bhārata, a cruel person is always the lowest, both here and after death. Therefore, O descendant of Kuru, declare his decision regarding dharma.
Bhīṣma said.
He whose desire is hidden and whose purpose is known by his actions; the one who abuses is tormented, and the one who binds is himself bound.
One who boasts of what he has given, is partial, petty, deceitful, crafty, does not enjoy, is proud, and is also companionable and boastful.
One who is ever suspicious, harsh, childish, miserly, always praises his own group, and constantly causes discord among the āśramas.
He who always delights in violence, makes no distinction between virtue and vice, is very deceitful, proud, excessively greedy, and acts cruelly.
He considers someone who is righteous and virtuous to be wicked; judging by his own character, he does not trust anyone.
One should reveal the secrets of others where there is a fault. But if the same faults are present in oneself, one should harm (others) for the sake of livelihood.
He regards even a true benefactor as a deceiver; even after giving wealth at the right time, he regrets having helped the benefactor.
One who eats food—whether it is to be eaten, enjoyed, or licked, or any other proper food—in the presence of those who are watching, is known as cruel.
He who gives the best to the Brāhmaṇas and enjoys it together with friends attains heaven after death and endless prosperity even here.
O best of the Bharatas, this cruel (trait) is described to you. It should always be avoided by a man who desires his own welfare.
