12.023
Library: Sage Vyasa, concurring with Bhima, says the practice of householder duties is the highest, and for a warrior like him who is knowledgeable, taking the burden of ruling the kingdom is suitable.
Vaiśampāyana said:
After Guḍākeśa spoke thus, O Bhārata, the son of Kunti remained silent. Then Vyāsa, the sage, spoke.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, Bhīma's words are correct and true. According to the scriptures, the householder's stage of life is regarded as the highest dharma.
O knower of dharma, perform your own duty as prescribed by the śāstra and by rule. For you, abandoning the householder's life, going to the forest is not prescribed.
O king, always honor those upon whom the gods, ancestors, sages, and servants depend—the householder.
O king, ages, animals, and all beings are maintained by householders alone; therefore, the householder's stage is considered the foremost among āśramas.
Among the four āśramas, this one is difficult to practice. Practice that without despondency, O Pārtha, for it is hard to accomplish for those whose senses are weak.
You possess the knowledge of the Vedas and have performed great austerities; you are worthy to bear the burden of rule in the kingdom of your forefathers.
Austerity, sacrifice, knowledge, alms, control of the senses, meditation, solitude and virtuous conduct, contentment, and charity according to one's ability.
O great king, I will again explain to you the activities of the Brāhmaṇas that lead to perfection, as well as those of the Kṣatriyas, even though you already know them.
Sacrifice, knowledge, initiative, and discontent with regard to prosperity; wielding a very severe rod, and the protection of the subjects.
Knowledge of the Veda, complete austerity, good conduct, acquisition of abundant wealth, and giving to the deserving are all important.
O lord of the people, we have heard that these meritorious actions of kings accomplish both this world and the next.
O son of Kunti, among all these, the wielding of punishment is considered superior; for in a kṣatriya, strength is always established in the power of punishment.
O king, these are the actions of the kṣatriyas that lead to success. Bṛhaspati also spoke this very verse.
The earth consumes two types of people, just as a serpent living in holes does: a king who faces no opposition and a brāhmaṇa who does not travel abroad.
It is said that Sudyumna, the royal sage, by upholding discipline, attained supreme perfection, just as Dakṣa, the son of Pracetas, did.
