12.116
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Grandfather, O greatly wise one, I have a great doubt. That must be resolved by you, O king, for you are indeed the destroyer of our family.
O dear one, I have told you the discourse concerning the ill-behaved and wicked men; now I inform you further.
That which is beneficial to the administration and the family, brings happiness, and in both the present and the future, promotes welfare and growth.
Tell me what is pleasing to sons and grandsons, promotes the growth of the kingdom, and is beneficial in food, drink, and for the body.
How could a king, though anointed and established in the kingdom, surrounded by friends or attended by enemies, ever please his subjects?
Whoever, being attached to the unreal, driven by affection and passion, and lacking mastery over the senses, seeks the company of the wicked.
All the servants of such a king, even those born in noble families, become devoid of virtues. And that king does not benefit from the results or means provided by his servants.
You, who are as wise as Bṛhaspati, are worthy to explain to me, who am in doubt, these royal duties that are very difficult to understand.
O tiger among men, you are praised for your constant engagement in the welfare of our family; and the minister of sharp intellect, who always advises us, is also praised.
Hearing your words for the good of the family and the kingdom, I am as satisfied as if with immortal nectar, and I shall sleep happily.
What should be the qualities of servants who are closely associated or virtuous? With what kind of kinsmen or companions should one undertake a journey?
A king who is alone and without attendants cannot act as a protector. All the people of this kingdom praise one who belongs to that family.
O Bhārata, it is not possible for one person alone to govern a kingdom. Dear one, without helpers, no objects of desire can ever be obtained, nor, having obtained them, can they always be protected, O best of the Bharatas.
Bhīṣma said.
He whose every servant is skilled in knowledge and wisdom, is a well-wisher, born in a good family, and affectionate, he enjoys the fruits of the kingdom.
The king whose ministers are born in noble families, are irresistible, live together, give wise counsel, and are skilled in the knowledge of relationships.
He who plans for the future, is skilled in knowledge of time, and does not grieve for what is past, enjoys the rewards of sovereignty.
He whose helpers are impartial in happiness and sorrow, truthful in action, and devoted to the king's welfare, enjoys the rewards of sovereignty.
He whose people are never afflicted, who is always close to them, who is not petty and who follows the righteous path, he alone should enjoy the fruits of the kingdom.
He is the best among kings whose treasury account is always maintained by trusted, satisfied people who increase the treasury.
A treasury that is guarded by trustworthy, diligent, and worthy individuals who are not greedy becomes excellent.
He whose conduct in the city is such that the results of his actions are visibly recorded, as if written on a conch, may become the recipient of the fruits of righteousness.
A king who gathers men, understands royal duties, and deals with the sixfold group of enemies, enjoys the rewards that come from righteousness.
