12.070
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
O grandsire, tell me, for whose success and by doing what, do both the science of punishment and the king together achieve success?
Bhīṣma said:
O Bhārata, O king, listen to me as I properly speak here about the great fortune of the science of punishment, explained by accomplished words with reasons.
The policy of punishment keeps the four social classes to their own duties; when properly enforced by the ruler, it also prevents them from engaging in unrighteous acts.
When the fourfold social order is established in its own duties and the boundaries are not confused, and when the policy of punishment is properly maintained, the subjects live in security and are free from all fear.
The three classes make effort in Soma according to proper rule; therefore, know that the happiness of gods and humans is firmly established.
Whether time is the cause of the king, or the king is the cause of time—let there be no doubt about this: the king is the cause of time.
When the king governs entirely in accordance with the science of punishment, then the excellent age known as Kṛta Yuga prevails.
In the Kṛta Yuga, only righteousness prevails; unrighteousness is found nowhere. The minds of all castes do not take pleasure in unrighteousness.
Union and welfare are established for beings; there is no doubt about this. Vedic actions too indeed become flawless.
All the seasons become pleasant and free from disease; the voices, complexions, and minds of men are also gladdened.
Here, there are no diseases, no one is seen with a short life, there are no widows, and no cruel person is born.
The earth that is not ploughed produces herbs; likewise, bark, leaves, fruits, and roots also become potent.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, know that in the Kṛta Yuga, there is no unrighteousness; only righteousness exists. These are the qualities.
When, by the policy of punishment, the king follows three parts and abandons the fourth, then the Tretā age begins.
One fourth of the inauspicious follows the three parts; thus, for both cultivated and uncultivated earth, the plants also become so.
When the king abandons half and follows only half of righteousness, then the period called Dvāpara begins.
At that time, half and then two parts of inauspiciousness prevail. The earth, whether cultivated or uncultivated, thus yields little fruit.
When the king completely abandons the policy of punishment and afflicts his subjects improperly, then the age of Kali begins.
In the Kali age, unrighteousness prevails and righteousness is only occasionally found. The minds of people of all castes stray from their own duties.
Śūdras live by alms, Brāhmaṇas by service. The destruction of sustenance and security, and the intermixture of castes, occurs.
Even Vedic actions become devoid of merit; likewise, all the seasons become unpleasant and afflicted with disease.
The voices, complexions, and minds of men diminish; diseases arise here, and those whose life-span has ended die.
Here, widows are found, cruelty arises among people. Sometimes the cloud rains, sometimes the crop sprouts.
When the king, engaged in the policy of punishment, does not wish to properly protect his subjects, all essences are destroyed.
The king is the creator of the Kṛta, Tretā, and Dvāpara Yugas; and in the fourth Yuga, the king is the cause of its nature.
In the Kṛta age, by performing his duties, the king attains complete access to heaven; in the Tretā age, by performing his duties, the king does not attain complete access to heaven.
As Dvāpara begins, one receives his due share; but with the onset of Kali, the king accrues the greatest sin.
Then the evil-doer resides in hell for countless years, submerged in the sins of beings, and attains both infamy and sin.
A kṣatriya, always aware and guided by the science of punishment, should seek what has not yet been attained and protect what has already been acquired.
The law that establishes the boundaries of society and nurtures its people is like a well-guided science of punishment, just as a mother and a father care for their children.
O best of the Bharatas, know that wherever beings exist, that is the supreme dharma, where the king upholds the science of punishment (law and order).
Therefore, O Kauravya, protect your subjects with righteousness and wisdom in conduct. By acting in this way and safeguarding your people, you will attain even the unconquerable heaven.
