12.071
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
By what conduct, if a king abides as a knower of conduct, may he happily obtain objects of desire that yield happiness, both in this world and after death?
Bhīṣma said:
This is endowed with thirty-six qualities. But whoever, being endowed with qualities, performs these, may attain the quality.
One should practice virtues gently, give up attachment, not be an atheist; being compassionate, act for wealth and desire without arrogance.
One should speak pleasantly, be generous and brave, avoid boasting, give only to the worthy, be bold, and never be harsh.
One should not form alliances with ignoble people, nor quarrel with relatives; one should not employ unreliable persons as spies, and should accomplish tasks without causing harm.
One should not discuss important matters among the unworthy, nor proclaim one's own virtues; one should not take from the virtuous, nor associate with unworthy people.
One should not inflict punishment without examination, nor reveal counsel. One should not give to the greedy, nor trust those who do harm.
A king should be free from envy, guard his wife, be strong, and not be overly compassionate. He should not associate excessively with women, and should eat only well-cooked and wholesome food.
One should steadfastly worship the venerable and serve the teachers sincerely; worship the gods without hypocrisy, and desire only prosperity that is not blameworthy.
One should associate with others after abandoning personal affection, act with competence and not ignorance of proper timing; one should conciliate, not for the sake of enjoyment, and while favoring others, should not reproach them.
One should not attack without proper understanding, nor leave any enemies alive after defeating them. One should not act out of anger or impulsively, and should not show gentleness towards those who do harm.
If you desire what is best here, conduct yourself in this way while established in the kingdom. Otherwise, the king will experience the greatest fear.
Thus, whoever follows all these qualities as stated, after experiencing auspicious things here, is honored in heaven.
Vaiśampāyana said:
King Yudhiṣṭhira, surrounded by the foremost of the Pāṇḍavas, heard this speech of Bhīṣma, the descendant of Śāntanu; then, having bowed to the grandsire, the wise king did exactly as instructed.
