12.106
The sage said.
Now, if you perceive even a little heroism in your warrior nature, I shall tell you the policy for attaining the kingdom.
If you are able to perform that action and will indeed do it, then listen as I tell you everything in full detail and truth.
If you perform this action, you will gain great benefits—either the kingdom, its counsel, or great prosperity once more. If this is agreeable to you, O king, speak again and I shall tell you further.
The prince said.
O revered one, let you speak; I am endowed with proper conduct, O lord. May this unfailing event today be accomplished together with you.
The sage said.
Abandon arrogance, pride, anger, delight, and fear; approach your adversary with humility, bowing down and with joined palms, and serve them.
Please him with excellent purity and action; the king of Videha, steadfast in truth, is worthy to give you a livelihood.
You will proceed with measure and restraint among all beings. Thereafter, you will gain companions who are enthusiastic, pure, and free from misfortune.
One who abides in his own śāstra, with self-control and mastery over the senses, uplifts himself and brings happiness to the people.
You, having been honored by the steadfast and prosperous one, have attained great authority and acceptance among all beings.
Then, after securing the support of friends and consulting well, divide the enemies by stratagems and strike Bilva with Bilva; or, by making an agreement with others, destroy his force as well.
Those auspicious states, women, coverings, beds, seats, vehicles, and very precious houses which are not attainable.
You should attach yourself only to birds, animal species, juices, scents, and fruits, so that the other perishes and you yourself remain.
If an enemy is to be restrained or neglected, one who desires discipline should never act openly against the enemy.
Live in the territory of the greatest enemy, as approved by the wise. Associate with the white-crow people, who are the lowest and most worthless of friends.
You set him to great and difficult undertakings, and let the strong oppose those who resist the damming of the river.
Empty his treasury by means of gardens, luxurious beds, seats, and the pleasures of enjoyment.
Let the praise of sacrifice and giving be recounted to him among the Brāhmaṇas. They will do what pleases you and will pursue him like wolves.
Certainly, a virtuous person attains the highest state. In heaven, the king attains the most exalted place. But, O Kausalya, when the treasury is depleted, the king falls under the power of his enemies. 12-106-18.
If one is attached in both dharma and adharma, the root of the pursuit of power should be destroyed by that; otherwise, enemies rejoice.
Condemn the human action in this case; explain the role of fate. Without doubt, one who relies solely on fate quickly perishes.
Make him perform the Viśvajit sacrifice with all his possessions, so that he is deprived of everything. Then, let him go forth, unsuccessful and afflicted, among the great people.
Describe someone among them who is a shaven-headed knower of the duty of renunciation. Does he desire renunciation, and would he go without illness?
Using the perfected medicinal formula that destroys all enemies, bring about the destruction of serpents, horses, and men through artificial means.
O prince, these and many other well-determined acts of hypocrisy can be overcome and accomplished, but not by a person lacking manliness.
