12.138
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said.
युगक्षयात्परिक्षीणे धर्मे लोके च भारत। दस्युभिः पीड्यमाने च कथं स्थेयं पितामह ॥१२-१३८-१॥
O Bhārata, when the age declines and dharma is diminished in the world, and when the world is afflicted by robbers, O grandsire, how can one remain steadfast?
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhīṣma said.
हन्त ते कथयिष्यामि नीतिमापत्सु भारत। उत्सृज्यापि घृणां काले यथा वर्तेत भूमिपः ॥१२-१३८-२॥
O Bhārata, I shall now tell you the policy to be followed in times of calamity. At such times, a king should act as required by the situation, even abandoning compassion if necessary.
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम्। भरद्वाजस्य संवादं राज्ञः शत्रुन्तपस्य च ॥१२-१३८-३॥
Here too, they recount this ancient story: the conversation between Bharadvāja and King Śatruntapa.
राजा शत्रुन्तपो नाम सौवीराणां महारथः। कणिङ्कमुपसङ्गम्य पप्रच्छार्थविनिश्चयम् ॥१२-१३८-४॥
The king of the Sauvīras, Śatruntapa, a great chariot-warrior, approached Kaṇiṅka and asked him to clarify the matter.
अलब्धस्य कथं लिप्सा लब्धं केन विवर्धते। वर्धितं पालयेत्केन पालितं प्रणयेत्कथम् ॥१२-१३८-५॥
How does the desire to obtain arise for what is not obtained? By whom is the obtained increased? By whom should what is increased be protected? How should what is protected be managed?
तस्मै विनिश्चयार्थं स परिपृष्टार्थनिश्चयः। उवाच ब्राह्मणो वाक्यमिदं हेतुमदुत्तरम् ॥१२-१३८-६॥
To him, for the sake of decision, the Brāhmaṇa, having determined the matter that was asked, spoke this statement as a reasoned answer.
नित्यमुद्यतदण्डः स्यान्नित्यं विवृतपौरुषः। अच्छिद्रश्छिद्रदर्शी च परेषां विवरानुगः ॥१२-१३८-७॥
He should always be ready to punish, always display open courage; be flawless, observant of others' faults, and attentive to their weaknesses.
नित्यमुद्यतदण्डस्य भृशमुद्विजते जनः। तस्मात्सर्वाणि भूतानि दण्डेनैव प्ररोधयेत् ॥१२-१३८-८॥
People are always greatly afraid of one who wields punishment. Therefore, all beings should be kept under control by means of punishment.
एवमेव प्रशंसन्ति पण्डितास्तत्त्वदर्शिनः। तस्माच्चतुष्टये तस्मिन्प्रधानो दण्ड उच्यते ॥१२-१३८-९॥
Thus, the learned and those who see the truth praise in this way. Therefore, among the fourfold, punishment is said to be the principal one.
छिन्नमूले ह्यधिष्ठाने सर्वे तज्जीविनो हताः। कथं हि शाखास्तिष्ठेयुश्छिन्नमूले वनस्पतौ ॥१२-१३८-१०॥
If the root and foundation are cut, all those who depend on it are destroyed. How could the branches remain if the root of the tree is cut?
मूलमेवादितश्छिन्द्यात्परपक्षस्य पण्डितः। ततः सहायान्पक्षं च सर्वमेवानुसारयेत् ॥१२-१३८-११॥
A wise person should first cut off the root of the opposing side; then he should subdue all their allies and the entire faction.
सुमन्त्रितं सुविक्रान्तं सुयुद्धं सुपलायितम्। आपदां पदकालेषु कुर्वीत न विचारयेत् ॥१२-१३८-१२॥
In times of crisis, actions should be well-planned, decisive, and skillful—one should act without hesitation or overthinking.
वाङ्मात्रेण विनीतः स्याद्धृदयेन यथा क्षुरः। श्लक्ष्णपूर्वाभिभाषी च कामक्रोधौ विवर्जयेत् ॥१२-१३८-१३॥
One should not only appear restrained in speech, but also be truly so at heart, like a razor is sharp within. One who speaks gently should also avoid desire and anger.
सपत्नसहिते कार्ये कृत्वा सन्धिं न विश्वसेत्। अपक्रामेत्ततः क्षिप्रं कृतकार्यो विचक्षणः ॥१२-१३८-१४॥
When dealing with a matter in the presence of rivals, after making an agreement, one should not trust; the wise person who has accomplished his objective should quickly withdraw from there.
शत्रुं च मित्ररूपेण सान्त्वेनैवाभिसान्त्वयेत्। नित्यशश्चोद्विजेत्तस्मात्सर्पाद्वेश्मगतादिव ॥१२-१३८-१५॥
One should conciliate an enemy who appears as a friend with gentle words, but always remain wary of him, just as one would be of a serpent that has entered the house.
यस्य बुद्धिं परिभवेत्तमतीतेन सान्त्वयेत्। अनागतेन दुष्प्रज्ञं प्रत्युत्पन्नेन पण्डितम् ॥१२-१३८-१६॥
One whose intellect is disregarded should be conciliated with reference to the past; the dull-witted with reference to the future; and the wise with reference to the present.
अञ्जलिं शपथं सान्त्वं प्रणम्य शिरसा वदेत्। अश्रुप्रपातनं चैव कर्तव्यं भूतिमिच्छता ॥१२-१३८-१७॥
One who desires prosperity should, with joined palms, take an oath, speak soothing words, bow the head, and also shed tears.
वहेदमित्रं स्कन्धेन यावत्कालविपर्ययः। अथैनमागते काले भिन्द्याद्घटमिवाश्मनि ॥१२-१३८-१८॥
Carry this friend on your shoulder until the time changes. Then, when the right time comes, break him like a pot on a stone.
मुहूर्तमपि राजेन्द्र तिन्दुकालातवज्ज्वलेत्। न तुषाग्निरिवानर्चिर्धूमायेत नरश्चिरम् ॥१२-१३८-१९॥
O king, even for a moment, one should shine brightly like the fire of tinduka wood, not smolder for long without flame like the fire of husk.
नानर्थकेनार्थवत्त्वं कृतघ्नेन समाचरेत्। अर्थे तु शक्यते भोक्तुं कृतकार्योऽवमन्यते ॥ तस्मात्सर्वाणि कार्याणि सावशेषाणि कारयेत् ॥१२-१३८-२०॥
One should not assign valuable tasks to the ungrateful; for even if they are able to enjoy the benefits, those whose work is done are disregarded. Therefore, all tasks, even those with some remainder, should be made to be completed.
कोकिलस्य वराहस्य मेरोः शून्यस्य वेश्मनः। व्याडस्य भक्तिचित्रस्य यच्छ्रेष्ठं तत्समाचरेत् ॥१२-१३८-२१॥
One should practice whatever is excellent among the qualities of the cuckoo, the boar, Mount Meru, the empty house, the tiger, and devotion.
उत्थायोत्थाय गच्छेच्च नित्ययुक्तो रिपोर्गृहान्। कुशलं चापि पृच्छेत यद्यप्यकुशलं भवेत् ॥१२-१३८-२२॥
He should repeatedly rise and, always attentive, visit the enemy's houses and inquire about their welfare, even if things are not well.
नालसाः प्राप्नुवन्त्यर्थान्न क्लीबा न च मानिनः। न च लोकरवाद्भीता न च शश्वत्प्रतीक्षिणः ॥१२-१३८-२३॥
Objects of desire are not attained by the lazy, the impotent, the proud, those afraid of public opinion, or those who are always waiting.
नास्य छिद्रं परो विद्याद्विद्याच्छिद्रं परस्य तु। गूहेत्कूर्म इवाङ्गानि रक्षेद्विवरमात्मनः ॥१२-१३८-२४॥
Do not seek out the faults of others, but be aware of your own; conceal your shortcomings as a tortoise draws in its limbs, and guard your own vulnerabilities.
बकवच्चिन्तयेदर्थान्सिंहवच्च पराक्रमेत्। वृकवच्चावलुम्पेत शशवच्च विनिष्पतेत् ॥१२-१३८-२५॥
One should think over objectives like a crane, act with courage like a lion, seize opportunities like a wolf, and leap away from danger like a hare.
पानमक्षास्तथा नार्यो मृगया गीतवादितम्। एतानि युक्त्या सेवेत प्रसङ्गो ह्यत्र दोषवान् ॥१२-१३८-२६॥
Drinking, gambling, association with women, hunting, singing, and instrumental music—these should be pursued with discretion, for excessive indulgence in these is indeed harmful.
कुर्यात्तृणमयं चापं शयीत मृगशायिकाम्। अन्धः स्यादन्धवेलायां बाधिर्यमपि संश्रयेत् ॥१२-१३८-२७॥
One should fashion a bow from grass, sleep on a bed of deer-skin; at times of darkness, act as if blind, and even feign deafness if needed.
देशं कालं समासाद्य विक्रमेत विचक्षणः। देशकालाभ्यतीतो हि विक्रमो निष्फलो भवेत् ॥१२-१३८-२८॥
The wise person should act boldly only after considering the place and time, for any bold action that ignores these factors will be fruitless.
कालाकालौ सम्प्रधार्य बलाबलमथात्मनः। परस्परबलं ज्ञात्वा तथात्मानं नियोजयेत् ॥१२-१३८-२९॥
After carefully considering the right time and opportunity, and assessing one's own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding the relative strengths, one should accordingly engage oneself in action.
दण्डेनोपनतं शत्रुं यो राजा न नियच्छति। स मृत्युमुपगूह्यास्ते गर्भमश्वतरी यथा ॥१२-१३८-३०॥
A king who does not restrain an enemy who has come under his power by punishment remains as if embracing death, just as a mule (remains) with a womb.
सुपुष्पितः स्यादफलः फलवान्स्याद्दुरारुहः। आमः स्यात्पक्वसङ्काशो न च शीर्येत कस्यचित् ॥१२-१३८-३१॥
It may be well-flowered, may bear fruit, may be fruitful and difficult to climb; it may be unripe, appear ripe, and not fall off for anyone.
आशां कालवतीं कुर्यात्तां च विघ्नेन योजयेत्। विघ्नं निमित्ततो ब्रूयान्निमित्तं चापि हेतुतः ॥१२-१३८-३२॥
One should foster hope at the right time and associate it with obstacles; one should describe the obstacle as arising from a cause, and the cause also as arising from a reason.
भीतवत्संविधातव्यं यावद्भयमनागतम्। आगतं तु भयं दृष्ट्वा प्रहर्तव्यमभीतवत् ॥१२-१३८-३३॥
One should make preparations with caution while danger has not yet come; but when danger has arrived, it should be confronted with fearlessness.
न संशयमनारुह्य नरो भद्राणि पश्यति। संशयं पुनरारुह्य यदि जीवति पश्यति ॥१२-१३८-३४॥
Unless a man overcomes doubt, he cannot see auspicious things. But if he overcomes doubt again and survives, he perceives them.
अनागतं विजानीयाद्यच्छेद्भयमुपस्थितम्। पुनर्वृद्धिक्षयात्किञ्चिदभिवृत्तं निशामयेत् ॥१२-१३८-३५॥
One should be aware of what is yet to come and avoid present dangers. Furthermore, one should observe whatever has happened as a result of increase or decrease.
प्रत्युपस्थितकालस्य सुखस्य परिवर्जनम्। अनागतसुखाशा च नैष बुद्धिमतां नयः ॥१२-१३८-३६॥
It is not the way of the wise to abandon present happiness for the sake of hoping for future happiness.
योऽरिणा सह सन्धाय सुखं स्वपिति विश्वसन्। स वृक्षाग्रप्रसुप्तो वा पतितः प्रतिबुध्यते ॥१२-१३८-३७॥
He who, having made peace with an enemy, sleeps happily in trust, is like one who sleeps atop a tree and only wakes up after he has fallen.
कर्मणा येन तेनेह मृदुना दारुणेन वा। उद्धरेद्दीनमात्मानं समर्थो धर्ममाचरेत् ॥१२-१३८-३८॥
Here, by whatever means—gentle or harsh—one who is capable should uplift the afflicted self by action, and should practice dharma.
ये सपत्नाः सपत्नानां सर्वांस्तानपवत्सयेत्। आत्मनश्चापि बोद्धव्याश्चाराः प्रणिहिताः परैः ॥१२-१३८-३९॥
One should recognize those rivals who disgrace all other enemies, and also be aware of the spies appointed by outsiders.
चारः सुविहितः कार्य आत्मनोऽथ परस्य च। पाषण्डांस्तापसादींश्च परराष्ट्रं प्रवेशयेत् ॥१२-१३८-४०॥
A well-appointed spy should be employed both for one's own and another's (interests); he should send heretics, ascetics, and similar persons into the foreign kingdom.
उद्यानेषु विहारेषु प्रपास्वावसथेषु च। पानागारेषु वेशेषु तीर्थेषु च सभासु च ॥१२-१३८-४१॥
In gardens, monasteries, rest-houses, residences, drinking-houses, abodes, sacred places, and assemblies.
धर्माभिचारिणः पापाश्चारा लोकस्य कण्टकाः। समागच्छन्ति तान्बुद्ध्वा नियच्छेच्छमयेदपि ॥१२-१३८-४२॥
Those who transgress dharma and evil-doers are the thorns of the world. Recognizing them, one should restrain and pacify them.
न विश्वसेदविश्वस्ते विश्वस्ते नापि विश्वसेत्। विश्वस्तं भयमन्वेति नापरीक्ष्य च विश्वसेत् ॥१२-१३८-४३॥
One should not trust the untrustworthy, nor should one trust even the trustworthy without examination. Fear follows even the trusted; therefore, one should not trust without proper scrutiny.
विश्वासयित्वा तु परं तत्त्वभूतेन हेतुना। अथास्य प्रहरेत्काले किञ्चिद्विचलिते पदे ॥१२-१३८-४४॥
After gaining the other's trust by a fundamental reason, then, when his position is slightly unsettled, one should strike.
अशङ्क्यमपि शङ्केत नित्यं शङ्केत शङ्कितात्। भयं हि शङ्किताज्जातं समूलमपि कृन्तति ॥१२-१३८-४५॥
One should always be cautious, even about things that seem harmless; always be wary of the suspicious. For, danger that arises from the suspicious can uproot everything.
अवधानेन मौनेन काषायेण जटाजिनैः। विश्वासयित्वा द्वेष्टारमवलुम्पेद्यथा वृकः ॥१२-१३८-४६॥
Just as a wolf, after gaining the enemy's trust by appearing attentive, silent, wearing ochre robes, and with matted hair and deer skin, destroys him, so should one act.
पुत्रो वा यदि वा भ्राता पिता वा यदि वा सुहृत्। अर्थस्य विघ्नं कुर्वाणा हन्तव्या भूतिवर्धनाः ॥१२-१३८-४७॥
Whether it is a son, or a brother, or a father, or a friend—if they cause obstacles to wealth, even if they are promoters of prosperity, they are to be destroyed.
गुरोरप्यवलिप्तस्य कार्याकार्यमजानतः। उत्पथप्रतिपन्नस्य दण्डो भवति शासनम् ॥१२-१३८-४८॥
Even if it is a teacher, if he is arrogant and does not know what should or should not be done, punishment becomes a means of discipline for one who has taken the wrong path.
प्रत्युत्थानाभिवादाभ्यां सम्प्रदानेन कस्यचित्। प्रतिपुष्कलघाती स्यात्तीक्ष्णतुण्ड इव द्विजः ॥१२-१३८-४९॥
A twice-born (Brahmin) who responds to others only with abundant retaliation, despite receiving respect, salutations, and gifts, is like a sharp-beaked bird.
नाच्छित्त्वा परमर्माणि नाकृत्वा कर्म दारुणम्। नाहत्वा मत्स्यघातीव प्राप्नोति परमां श्रियम् ॥१२-१३८-५०॥
One does not attain the highest prosperity without cutting the vital spots, performing cruel deeds, or killing like a fish-killer.
नास्ति जात्या रिपुर्नाम मित्रं नाम न विद्यते। सामर्थ्ययोगाज्जायन्ते मित्राणि रिपवस्तथा ॥१२-१३८-५१॥
No one is born as an enemy or a friend; it is through circumstances and abilities that friendships and enmities arise.
अमित्रं नैव मुञ्चेत ब्रुवन्तं करुणान्यपि। दुःखं तत्र न कुर्वीत हन्यात्पूर्वापकारिणम् ॥१२-१३८-५२॥
One should never release an enemy, even if he speaks compassionate words; one should not inflict pain there, but should kill one who has previously caused harm.
सङ्ग्रहानुग्रहे यत्नः सदा कार्योऽनसूयता। निग्रहश्चापि यत्नेन कर्तव्यो भूतिमिच्छता ॥१२-१३८-५३॥
One should always strive, without envy, to support and favor others; and one who desires prosperity must also diligently practice restraint.
प्रहरिष्यन्प्रियं ब्रूयात्प्रहृत्यापि प्रियोत्तरम्। अपि चास्य शिरश्छित्त्वा रुद्याच्छोचेदथापि वा ॥१२-१३८-५४॥
Even when about to strike, one should speak pleasantly; even after striking, a dear one should respond kindly. Even after severing his head, one may cry, grieve, or otherwise show sorrow.
निमन्त्रयेत सान्त्वेन संमानेन तितिक्षया। आशाकारणमित्येतत्कर्तव्यं भूतिमिच्छता ॥१२-१३८-५५॥
One who desires prosperity should invite (others) with conciliation, respect, and forbearance; this is to be done as the cause of hope.
न शुष्कवैरं कुर्वीत न बाहुभ्यां नदीं तरेत्। अपार्थकमनायुष्यं गोविषाणस्य भक्षणम् ॥ दन्ताश्च परिघृष्यन्ते रसश्चापि न लभ्यते ॥१२-१३८-५६॥
One should not engage in pointless enmity, nor attempt to cross a river with only one's arms. Eating a cow's horn is both useless and harmful to health; it only wears down the teeth and yields no nourishment.
त्रिवर्गे त्रिविधा पीडानुबन्धास्त्रय एव च। अनुबन्धवधौ ज्ञात्वा पीडां हि परिवर्जयेत् ॥१२-१३८-५७॥
In the pursuit of the three aims of life, there are three kinds of painful consequences. Knowing the assessment of consequences, one should indeed avoid pain.
ऋणशेषोऽग्निशेषश्च शत्रुशेषस्तथैव च। पुनः पुनर्विवर्धेत स्वल्पोऽप्यनिवारितः ॥१२-१३८-५८॥
Even a small amount of remaining debt, fire, or enemy, if not checked, will repeatedly grow.
वर्धमानमृणं तिष्ठत्परिभूताश्च शत्रवः। आवहन्त्यनयं तीव्रं व्याधयश्चाप्युपेक्षिताः ॥१२-१३८-५९॥
Increasing debt, disregarded enemies, and severe diseases that are neglected also bring about ruin.
नासम्यक्कृतकारी स्यादप्रमत्तः सदा भवेत्। कण्टकोऽपि हि दुश्छिन्नो विकारं कुरुते चिरम् ॥१२-१३८-६०॥
One should always act properly and remain attentive; even a poorly removed thorn can cause trouble for a long time.
वधेन च मनुष्याणां मार्गाणां दूषणेन च। आकराणां विनाशैश्च परराष्ट्रं विनाशयेत् ॥१२-१३८-६१॥
One should destroy the enemy kingdom by killing its people, spoiling its roads, and destroying its mines.
गृध्रदृष्टिर्बकालीनः श्वचेष्टः सिंहविक्रमः। अनुद्विग्नः काकशङ्की भुजङ्गचरितं चरेत् ॥१२-१३८-६२॥
One should act with the vision of a vulture, the concentration of a heron, the activity of a dog, the courage of a lion, without agitation, with the suspicion of a crow, and the conduct of a serpent.
श्रेणिमुख्योपजापेषु वल्लभानुनयेषु च। अमात्यान्परिरक्षेत भेदसङ्घातयोरपि ॥१२-१३८-६३॥
He should protect his ministers even when dealing with the appeasement of guild leaders and the conciliation of favorites, whether in situations of division or alliance.
मृदुरित्यवमन्यन्ते तीक्ष्ण इत्युद्विजन्ति च। तीक्ष्णकाले च तीक्ष्णः स्यान्मृदुकाले मृदुर्भवेत् ॥१२-१३८-६४॥
They despise one who is gentle, calling him soft; they are disturbed by one who is harsh, calling him harsh. In harsh times, one should be harsh; in gentle times, one should be gentle.
मृदुना सुमृदुं हन्ति मृदुना हन्ति दारुणम्। नासाध्यं मृदुना किञ्चित्तस्मात्तीक्ष्णतरं मृदु ॥१२-१३८-६५॥
Gentleness conquers even the gentle, and by gentleness, the harsh are subdued. Nothing is impossible through gentleness; therefore, gentleness is more powerful than sharpness.
काले मृदुर्यो भवति काले भवति दारुणः। स साधयति कृत्यानि शत्रूंश्चैवाधितिष्ठति ॥१२-१३८-६६॥
He who is gentle at the right time and harsh at the right time accomplishes his tasks and surely overcomes his enemies.
पण्डितेन विरुद्धः सन्दूरेऽस्मीति न विश्वसेत्। दीर्घौ बुद्धिमतो बाहू याभ्यां हिंसति हिंसितः ॥१२-१३८-६७॥
Do not trust the thought, "I am far from the wise person I have opposed." The long arms of the intelligent can reach and harm even from afar.
न तत्तरेद्यस्य न पारमुत्तरे; न्न तद्धरेद्यत्पुनराहरेत्परः। न तत्खनेद्यस्य न मूलमुत्खने; न्न तं हन्याद्यस्य शिरो न पातयेत् ॥१२-१३८-६८॥
One should not cross that which does not have a far shore on the other side; nor should one retain that which another may bring back again. One should not dig up that whose root cannot be uprooted; nor should one kill him whose head cannot be made to fall.
इतीदमुक्तं वृजिनाभिसंहितं; न चैतदेवं पुरुषः समाचरेत्। परप्रयुक्तं तु कथं निशामये; दतो मयोक्तं भवतो हितार्थिना ॥१२-१३८-६९॥
Thus, this statement associated with sin has been spoken; a person should not act in this way. As for what is instigated by another, how should I listen to it? What has been said by me has been given to you, wishing for your welfare.
यथावदुक्तं वचनं हितं तदा; निशम्य विप्रेण सुवीरराष्ट्रियः। तथाकरोद्वाक्यमदीनचेतनः; श्रियं च दीप्तां बुभुजे सबान्धवः ॥१२-१३८-७०॥
Hearing the beneficial words spoken as was proper by the Brāhmaṇa, the king of Suvīrarāṣṭra, with an undepressed mind, acted accordingly and enjoyed brilliant prosperity together with his relatives.
