15.009
Instruction of Yudhiṣṭhira.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, having received the permission of the king, the vigorous Dhritarashtra went to his own house, accompanied by Gandhari. (15-9-1)
The wise king, moving with slow breath, with difficulty rising and walking on foot like an old mahout, just as an aged elephant-driver. (15-9-2)
Vidura, the wise, the charioteer Sūta and Sañjaya followed him. Likewise, Kṛpa, the great archer, son of Śaradvat, also did so. (15-9-3)
Having entered the house and performed his morning duties, the king, after offering satisfaction to the foremost Brahmins, then took his meal. (15-9-4)
Gandhari, who was wise in dharma, together with the noble-minded Kunti, was honored by her daughters-in-law through proper service, and then she ate, O Bhārata. (15-9-5)
After finishing their meal, all of them—Vidura and the others, along with the Pāṇḍavas—attended upon that best of the Kurus, the king. (15-9-6)
Then the son of Ambikā, touching the seated Kuntī's son on the back with his hand at the sacrificial altar, said, O great king. (15-9-7)
O delight of the Kurus, you should always act with vigilance in the eightfold kingdom, O tiger among kings, where dharma is held foremost. (15-9-8)
But that is possible, dear one, only as you, O son of Pāṇḍu, protect the kingdom and dharma. O son of Kuntī, understand this, you are wise. (15-9-9)
Yudhiṣṭhira, you should always approach the wise, listen to what they say, and perform whatever they advise you, without hesitation. (15-9-10)
O King, having risen in the morning and worshiped them according to the proper method, when it is time for duty, you should inquire as to your own tasks. (15-9-11)
But they, being honored by you, O king who desires the good of the kingdom, will tell you all that is beneficial, O dear Kauravanandana. (15-9-12)
Just as protected wealth brings benefit, so too will the senses, if you guard them like a horse. (15-9-13)
You should appoint as ministers those who are free from deceit, inherited from your father and grandfather, pure, self-controlled, and foremost among all, to the chief duties. (15-9-14)
You should always have enemies thoroughly observed, in many ways, by tested and unrecognised spies, in your own territories and those of others. (15-9-15)
May your city be well-guarded, endowed with strong ramparts and gateways, densely packed with lofty mansions, and possessing six roads leading in all directions. (15-9-16)
His doors are necessary, sufficient, and large. They are well-divided on all sides and protected by mechanisms. (15-9-17)
O Bhārata, by men who are competent and wise in the value of things, and known by family and character, one should always protect oneself, especially regarding eating and similar matters. (15-9-18)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, at times of recreation and meals, and among garlands, beds, and seats, your women should be well protected, supervised by aged, trustworthy, virtuous, noble, and learned persons. (15-9-19)
You should appoint as ministers those twice-born who are learned, humble, of good family, skilled in righteousness and wealth, and honest. (15-9-20)
You should confer with them together, but not excessively with many; consult either all together or separately, with reference to someone specific. (15-9-21)
One should recite (the mantra) in a well-enclosed mantra-chamber or an elevated place; in a forest, only where there are no pegs, and never at night under any circumstances. (15-9-22)
Monkeys, birds, those who imitate humans, and all who are dull and lame, are to be excluded from the council chamber. (15-9-23)
It is my opinion that the faults which arise from breach of counsel among kings cannot be remedied in any way. (15-9-24)
O king, you should mention the faults during differences of counsel to the council of ministers, and in the case of agreement, you should repeatedly speak of the virtues, O subduer of enemies. (15-9-25)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, concerning the purity and impurity of townsmen and country people, as is known, O king, so should it be acted upon, O subduer of foes. (15-9-26)
