12.120
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
राजवृत्तान्यनेकानि त्वया प्रोक्तानि भारत। पूर्वैः पूर्वनियुक्तानि राजधर्मार्थवेदिभिः ॥१२-१२०-१॥
O Bhārata, you have described many royal duties, which were previously prescribed by the ancient knowers of royal law.
तदेव विस्तरेणोक्तं पूर्वैर्दृष्टं सतां मतम्। प्रणयं राजधर्माणां प्रब्रूहि भरतर्षभ ॥१२-१२०-२॥
O best of the Bharatas, declare in detail that affection for royal duties which has been spoken of by the former ones and is regarded as the opinion of the virtuous.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhīṣma said.
रक्षणं सर्वभूतानामिति क्षत्रे परं मतम्। तद्यथा रक्षणं कुर्यात्तथा शृणु महीपते ॥१२-१२०-३॥
The protection of all beings is considered the highest duty in the kṣatriya order. Now, O king, listen as I explain how that protection should be carried out.
यथा बर्हाणि चित्राणि बिभर्ति भुजगाशनः। तथा बहुविधं राजा रूपं कुर्वीत धर्मवित् ॥१२-१२०-४॥
Just as Garuḍa, the eater of serpents, bears many-colored feathers, so too should a king who knows dharma take on many different forms.
तैक्ष्ण्यं जिह्मत्वमादान्त्यं सत्यमार्जवमेव च। मध्यस्थः सत्त्वमातिष्ठंस्तथा वै सुखमृच्छति ॥१२-१२०-५॥
One who is neutral, abiding in steadfastness, attains happiness by possessing sharpness, crookedness, endurance, truth, and straightforwardness.
यस्मिन्नर्थे हितं यत्स्यात्तद्वर्णं रूपमाविशेत्। बहुरूपस्य राज्ञो हि सूक्ष्मोऽप्यर्थो न सीदति ॥१२-१२०-६॥
One should present the form and description in which there is benefit in a matter. For a king of many forms, even a subtle matter does not go unnoticed or perish.
नित्यं रक्षितमन्त्रः स्याद्यथा मूकः शरच्छिखी। श्लक्ष्णाक्षरतनुः श्रीमान्भवेच्छास्त्रविशारदः ॥१२-१२०-७॥
One who always keeps his mantra protected should remain silent like a mute and hidden like an autumn fire; with gentle words, he may become prosperous and an expert in the scriptures.
आपद्द्वारेषु यत्तः स्याज्जलप्रस्रवणेष्विव। शैलवर्षोदकानीव द्विजान्सिद्धान्समाश्रयेत् ॥१२-१२०-८॥
When faced with calamities, one should be vigilant, and just as waters from mountain rains flow into streams, so too should one seek refuge in the twice-born and the perfected sages.
अर्थकामः शिखां राजा कुर्याद्धर्मध्वजोपमाम्। नित्यमुद्यतदण्डः स्यादाचरेच्चाप्रमादतः ॥ लोके चायव्ययौ दृष्ट्वा वृक्षाद्वृक्षमिवाप्लवन् ॥१२-१२०-९॥
A king who seeks wealth should make his crest like the banner of dharma; he should always be vigilant and act without negligence. Observing the imperishable and perishable in the world, he should move from one support to another, like leaping from tree to tree.
मृजावान्स्यात्स्वयूथ्येषु भावानि चरणैः क्षिपेत्। जातपक्षः परिस्पन्देद्रक्षेद्वैकल्यमात्मनः ॥१२-१२०-१०॥
Let one who is clean remain among his own group, casting away feelings with his feet. When his wings have grown, he should move about and guard against his own weaknesses.
दोषान्विवृणुयाच्छत्रोः परपक्षान्विधूनयेत्। काननेष्विव पुष्पाणि बर्हीवार्थान्समाचरेत् ॥१२-१२०-११॥
He should reveal the faults of the king and remove the opposition; just as one gathers flowers in the forests for sacrificial grass, so should he collect what is needed.
उच्छ्रितानाश्रयेत्स्फीतान्नरेन्द्रानचलोपमान्। श्रयेच्छायामविज्ञातां गुप्तं शरणमाश्रयेत् ॥१२-१२०-१२॥
One should seek the protection of exalted and prosperous kings who are as steadfast as mountains; one should also seek shelter in unknown shade and take refuge in a hidden sanctuary.
प्रावृषीवासितग्रीवो मज्जेत निशि निर्जने। मायूरेण गुणेनैव स्त्रीभिश्चालक्षितश्चरेत् ॥ न जह्याच्च तनुत्राणं रक्षेदात्मानमात्मना ॥१२-१२०-१३॥
During the rainy season, with a darkened neck, one should immerse oneself at night in a deserted place; using only a peacock's feather and a string, and moving about unnoticed by women. One should never abandon bodily protection and must safeguard oneself by one's own means.
चारभूमिष्वभिगमान्पाशांश्च परिवर्जयेत्। पीडयेच्चापि तां भूमिं प्रणश्येद्गहने पुनः ॥१२-१२०-१४॥
One must avoid the approaches of spies and traps in the regions, and should also torment that region; otherwise, it may perish again in the thicket.
हन्यात्क्रुद्धानतिविषान्ये जिह्मगतयोऽहितान्। नाश्रयेद्बालबर्हाणि सन्निवासानि वासयेत् ॥१२-१२०-१५॥
One should slay those who are angry, excessively poisonous, crooked in conduct, and hostile; one should not take refuge in places with tender shoots, but should reside in densely inhabited places.
सदा बर्हिनिभः कामं प्रसक्तिकृतमाचरेत्। सर्वतश्चाददेत्प्रज्ञां पतङ्गान्गहनेष्विव ॥ एवं मयूरवद्राजा स्वराष्ट्रं परिपालयेत् ॥१२-१२०-१६॥
A king should always act with focused desire like a peacock, gathering wisdom from all directions as insects do in thickets. In this way, like a peacock, the king should protect his own kingdom.
आत्मवृद्धिकरीं नीतिं विदधीत विचक्षणः। आत्मसंयमनं बुद्ध्या परबुद्ध्यावतारणम् ॥ बुद्ध्या चात्मगुणप्राप्तिरेतच्छास्त्रनिदर्शनम् ॥१२-१२०-१७॥
A wise person should adopt conduct that leads to self-development; practice self-restraint through intellect, and learn from the wisdom of others. Attaining one's own virtues through intellect is the teaching demonstrated by this śāstra.
परं चाश्वासयेत्साम्ना स्वशक्तिं चोपलक्षयेत्। आत्मनः परिमर्शेन बुद्धिं बुद्ध्या विचारयेत् ॥ सान्त्वयोगमतिः प्राज्ञः कार्याकार्यविचारकः ॥१२-१२०-१८॥
He should console others with gentle words and assess his own strength; by self-reflection, he should examine his intellect with discernment. The wise, whose mind is inclined toward conciliation, is one who discerns what should and should not be done.
निगूढबुद्धिर्धीरः स्याद्वक्तव्ये वक्ष्यते तथा। संनिकृष्टां कथां प्राज्ञो यदि बुद्ध्या बृहस्पतिः ॥ स्वभावमेष्यते तप्तं कृष्णायसमिवोदके ॥१२-१२०-१९॥
A person of hidden intellect may remain silent when something is to be said, and even if wise as Bṛhaspati, when approached with intelligence, he will act according to his nature, just as heated black iron regains its nature when placed in water.
अनुयुञ्जीत कृत्यानि सर्वाण्येव महीपतिः। आगमैरुपदिष्टानि स्वस्य चैव परस्य च ॥१२-१२०-२०॥
The king must perform all duties prescribed by the scriptures, whether they pertain to himself or to others.
क्षुद्रं क्रूरं तथा प्राज्ञं शूरं चार्थविशारदम्। स्वकर्मणि नियुञ्जीत ये चान्ये वचनाधिकाः ॥१२-१२०-२१॥
One should assign tasks to the mean, the cruel, the wise, the brave, and those skilled in wealth according to their own duties; and also to others who are superior in speech.
अप्यदृष्ट्वा नियुक्तानि अनुरूपेषु कर्मसु। सर्वांस्ताननुवर्तेत स्वरांस्तन्त्रीरिवायता ॥१२-१२०-२२॥
Even if one does not see the assigned tasks in suitable actions, one should follow all of them, just as stretched strings follow the notes.
धर्माणामविरोधेन सर्वेषां प्रियमाचरेत्। ममायमिति राजा यः स पर्वत इवाचलः ॥१२-१२०-२३॥
One should act in a way that pleases everyone, provided it does not contradict dharma. The king who claims, "This is mine," is steadfast like a mountain, unmovable.
व्यवसायं समाधाय सूर्यो रश्मिमिवायताम्। धर्ममेवाभिरक्षेत कृत्वा तुल्ये प्रियाप्रिये ॥१२-१२०-२४॥
With firm resolve, just as the sun extends its rays, one should uphold dharma alone, treating both what is pleasant and unpleasant equally.
कुलप्रकृतिदेशानां धर्मज्ञान्मृदुभाषिणः। मध्ये वयसि निर्दोषान्हिते युक्ताञ्जितेन्द्रियान् ॥१२-१२०-२५॥
Those who are from good families, of noble nature and region, who know dharma, speak gently, are in their middle age, are faultless, devoted to the welfare of others, and have self-control.
अलुब्धाञ्शिक्षितान्दान्तान्धर्मेषु परिनिष्ठितान्। स्थापयेत्सर्वकार्येषु राजा धर्मार्थरक्षिणः ॥१२-१२०-२६॥
The king should appoint as protectors of dharma and artha in all affairs those who are not greedy, well-trained, self-controlled, and firmly established in dharma.
एतेनैव प्रकारेण कृत्यानामागतिं गतिम्। युक्तः समनुतिष्ठेत तुष्टश्चारैरुपस्कृतः ॥१२-१२०-२७॥
By this very method, one who is engaged should carry out the arrival and departure of duties, remaining content and aided by spies.
अमोघक्रोधहर्षस्य स्वयं कृत्यान्ववेक्षिणः। आत्मप्रत्ययकोशस्य वसुधैव वसुन्धरा ॥१२-१२०-२८॥
He, whose anger and joy are unfailing, who himself examines his actions, for whom the treasury is self-conviction—the earth itself is Vasundhara (the bestower of wealth) for him.
व्यक्तश्चानुग्रहो यस्य यथार्थश्चापि निग्रहः। गुप्तात्मा गुप्तराष्ट्रश्च स राजा राजधर्मवित् ॥१२-१२०-२९॥
He whose favor is manifest and whose restraint is proper, who protects himself and his kingdom, he is the king who knows the duties of kings.
नित्यं राष्ट्रमवेक्षेत गोभिः सूर्य इवोत्पतन्। चारांश्च नचरान्विद्यात्तथा बुद्ध्या न सञ्ज्वरेत् ॥१२-१२०-३०॥
One should always observe the kingdom with the thoroughness of the sun rising with its rays; one should discern both spies and non-spies with intelligence, and not become agitated.
कालप्राप्तमुपादद्यान्नार्थं राजा प्रसूचयेत्। अहन्यहनि संदुह्यान्महीं गामिव बुद्धिमान् ॥१२-१२०-३१॥
The king should accept what comes at the proper time, not out of greed for wealth, and should make it known. Every day, the wise ruler should draw resources from the earth as a wise man milks a cow.
यथा क्रमेण पुष्पेभ्यश्चिनोति मधु षट्पदः। तथा द्रव्यमुपादाय राजा कुर्वीत सञ्चयम् ॥१२-१२०-३२॥
Just as a bee collects honey from flowers in sequence, so should a king accumulate wealth methodically.
यद्धि गुप्तावशिष्टं स्यात्तद्धितं धर्मकामयोः। सञ्चयानुविसर्गी स्याद्राजा शास्त्रविदात्मवान् ॥१२-१२०-३३॥
Whatever remains protected is beneficial for dharma and kāma; the king, who is learned in śāstra and self-controlled, should accumulate and distribute (wealth or resources).
नाल्पमर्थं परिभवेन्नावमन्येत शात्रवान्। बुद्ध्यावबुध्येदात्मानं न चाबुद्धिषु विश्वसेत् ॥१२-१२०-३४॥
Do not despise small wealth, nor underestimate enemies. Using intelligence, discern yourself, and never trust the unintelligent.
धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं संयमो बुद्धिरग्र्या; धैर्यं शौर्यं देशकालोऽप्रमादः। स्वल्पस्य वा महतो वापि वृद्धौ; धनस्यैतान्यष्ट समिन्धनानि ॥१२-१२०-३५॥
Steadfastness, dexterity, self-control, superior intelligence, patience, valor, the right place and time, and vigilance—these eight are the causes for the increase of wealth, whether it is small or great.
अग्निस्तोको वर्धते ह्याज्यसिक्तो; बीजं चैकं बहुसाहस्रमेति। क्षयोदयौ विपुलौ संनिशाम्य; तस्मादल्पं नावमन्येत विद्वान् ॥१२-१२०-३६॥
Even a small fire grows when fed with ghee; a single seed can yield thousands. Observing that both decline and growth can be immense, the wise should never look down upon what is small.
बालोऽबालः स्थविरो वा रिपुर्यः; सदा प्रमत्तं पुरुषं निहन्यात्। कालेनान्यस्तस्य मूलं हरेत; कालज्ञाता पार्थिवानां वरिष्ठः ॥१२-१२०-३७॥
Whether a child, not a child, an old man, or an enemy—whoever it is, should always destroy a negligent man. In time, another will uproot him; the one who knows the right time is the best among kings.
हरेत्कीर्तिं धर्ममस्योपरुन्ध्या; दर्थे दीर्घं वीर्यमस्योपहन्यात्। रिपुर्द्वेष्टा दुर्बलो वा बली वा; तस्माच्छत्रौ नैव हेडेद्यतात्मा ॥१२-१२०-३८॥
One should take away the enemy's fame, obstruct his righteousness, and destroy his enduring strength for the sake of wealth. Whether the enemy is a hater, weak or strong, therefore, a self-controlled person should never insult the enemy.
क्षयं शत्रोः सञ्चयं पालनं चा; प्युभौ चार्थौ सहितौ धर्मकामौ। अतश्चान्यन्मतिमान्संदधीत; तस्माद्राजा बुद्धिमन्तं श्रयेत ॥१२-१२०-३९॥
Destruction of the enemy, accumulation and protection, and both wealth and desire together with righteousness—therefore, a wise person should make other arrangements; thus, a king should rely on an intelligent advisor.
बुद्धिर्दीप्ता बलवन्तं हिनस्ति; बलं बुद्ध्या वर्धते पाल्यमानम्। शत्रुर्बुद्ध्या सीदते वर्धमानो; बुद्धेः पश्चात्कर्म यत्तत्प्रशस्तम् ॥१२-१२०-४०॥
An illuminated intellect destroys even the powerful; strength, when protected by intellect, increases. An enemy, though growing, is brought low by intellect; whatever action is performed after due deliberation is praiseworthy.
सर्वान्कामान्कामयानो हि धीरः; सत्त्वेनाल्पेनाप्लुते हीनदेहः। यथात्मानं प्रार्थयतेऽर्थमानैः; श्रेयःपात्रं पूरयते ह्यनल्पम् ॥१२-१२०-४१॥
The wise man, though desiring all desires, with little strength and an inferior body, just as he seeks his own self with means, indeed fills the vessel of excellence with abundance.
तस्माद्राजा प्रगृहीतः परेषु; मूलं लक्ष्म्याः सर्वतोऽभ्याददीत। दीर्घं कालमपि सम्पीड्यमानो; विद्युत्सम्पातमिव मानोर्जितः स्यात् ॥१२-१२०-४२॥
Therefore, a king, when seized by others, should secure the sources of wealth from all directions. Even if oppressed for a long time, his pride should be as forceful as a lightning strike.
विद्या तपो वा विपुलं धनं वा; सर्वमेतद्व्यवसायेन शक्यम्। ब्रह्म यत्तं निवसति देहवत्सु; तस्माद्विद्याद्व्यवसायं प्रभूतम् ॥१२-१२०-४३॥
Whether it is knowledge, austerity, or abundant wealth, all of these are attainable through effort. Brahman dwells in embodied beings; therefore, one should recognize effort as supreme.
यत्रासते मतिमन्तो मनस्विनः; शक्रो विष्णुर्यत्र सरस्वती च। वसन्ति भूतानि च यत्र नित्यं; तस्माद्विद्वान्नावमन्येत देहम् ॥१२-१२०-४४॥
Where the intelligent and high-minded reside, where Indra, Viṣṇu, and Sarasvatī are present, and where beings always dwell—therefore, the wise should not despise the body.
लुब्धं हन्यात्सम्प्रदानेन नित्यं; लुब्धस्तृप्तिं परवित्तस्य नैति। सर्वो लुब्धः कर्मगुणोपभोगे; योऽर्थैर्हीनो धर्मकामौ जहाति ॥१२-१२०-४५॥
One should always overcome greed by generosity; a greedy person is never satisfied with the wealth of others. All are greedy in the enjoyment of the fruits of action; one who lacks wealth abandons both righteousness and desire.
धनं भोज्यं पुत्रदारं समृद्धिं; सर्वो लुब्धः प्रार्थयते परेषाम्। लुब्धे दोषाः सम्भवन्तीह सर्वे; तस्माद्राजा न प्रगृह्णीत लुब्धान् ॥१२-१२०-४६॥
Everyone greedy desires the wealth, food, sons, wives, and prosperity of others. All faults arise in the greedy; therefore, the king should not accept greedy people.
संदर्शने सत्पुरुषं जघन्यमपि चोदयेत्। आरम्भान्द्विषतां प्राज्ञः सर्वानर्थांस्तु सूदयेत् ॥१२-१२०-४७॥
In the presence of a noble person, even the lowest should be encouraged; but the wise should destroy all the undertakings of enemies and all calamities.
धर्मान्वितेषु विज्ञातो मन्त्री गुप्तश्च पाण्डव। आप्तो राजन्कुलीनश्च पर्याप्तो राज्यसङ्ग्रहे ॥१२-१२०-४८॥
O Pāṇḍava, a counselor who is well-known among the righteous, secretive, trustworthy, of noble lineage, and sufficient for the administration of the kingdom is suitable.
विधिप्रवृत्तान्नरदेवधर्मा; नुक्तान्समासेन निबोध बुद्ध्या। इमान्विदध्याद्व्यनुसृत्य यो वै; राजा महीं पालयितुं स शक्तः ॥१२-१२०-४९॥
Understand, with intellect, the kingly duties established by rule, which are stated here in summary. The king who, having followed these, performs them, is truly capable of protecting the earth.
अनीतिजं यद्यविधानजं सुखं; हठप्रणीतं विविधं प्रदृश्यते। न विद्यते तस्य गतिर्महीपते; र्न विद्यते राष्ट्रजमुत्तमं सुखम् ॥१२-१२०-५०॥
Happiness arising from injustice or disorder, achieved by force, appears in many forms. O king, such happiness has no lasting progress, nor does true happiness for the kingdom arise from it.
धनैर्विशिष्टान्मतिशीलपूजिता; न्गुणोपपन्नान्युधि दृष्टविक्रमान्। गुणेषु दृष्टानचिरादिहात्मवा; न्सतोऽभिसन्धाय निहन्ति शात्रवान् ॥१२-१२०-५१॥
One who is self-possessed, having recognized those distinguished by wealth, intellect, character, virtues, and valor in battle, and having discerned the virtuous here, soon destroys his enemies by aiming at the good.
पश्येदुपायान्विविधैः क्रियापथै; र्न चानुपायेन मतिं निवेशयेत्। श्रियं विशिष्टां विपुलं यशो धनं; न दोषदर्शी पुरुषः समश्नुते ॥१२-१२०-५२॥
One should consider various means and methods of action, but should not direct the mind towards improper means. A person who is always fault-finding does not attain distinguished prosperity, abundant fame, or wealth.
प्रीतिप्रवृत्तौ विनिवर्तने तथा; सुहृत्सु विज्ञाय निवृत्य चोभयोः। यदेव मित्रं गुरुभारमावहे; त्तदेव सुस्निग्धमुदाहरेद्बुधः ॥१२-१२०-५३॥
When affection arises or withdraws, one should discern among friends and withdraw from both. That friend who indeed bears a heavy burden should be called truly affectionate by the wise.
एतान्मयोक्तांस्तव राजधर्मा; न्नृणां च गुप्तौ मतिमादधत्स्व। अवाप्स्यसे पुण्यफलं सुखेन; सर्वो हि लोकोत्तमधर्ममूलः ॥१२-१२०-५४॥
Apply your mind to the royal duties I have spoken to you, especially in the protection of people. By doing so, you will happily obtain the fruit of merit, for the entire world is indeed founded upon the highest dharma.
