15.012
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said.
O best of kings, O Yudhisthira, here you may also observe treaty and war, which have two origins, three methods, and many forms. (15-12-1)
O king of kings, you should approach after having removed inner duplicity. Remember: an enemy who is content, nourished, and strong is self-controlled. (15-12-2)
But during a siege, the opposite course is prescribed. O king, during an assault, it is better to withdraw. (15-12-3)
Then he should bring adversity and division among the enemies; in battle he should also cause harassment, terror, and great destruction. (15-12-4)
When setting forth, the king skilled in scriptures should consider three things: his own power, the enemy's power, and (the power) in threefold manner. (15-12-5)
O Bhārata, endowed with zeal, authority, and the power of counsel, a man should act; otherwise, he goes contrary to this. (15-12-6)
The king should acquire his own strength, the strength of friends, the strength of foresters, the strength of mercenaries, and the strength of guilds. (15-12-7)
There, O king, the strength of friends is not distinguished from that of the crown. The strength of guilds and retainers, too, is equivalent—such is my view. (15-12-8)
Thus, O king, the force of spies and the other forces, being mutually equal, should be recognized by the king at times when the occasion for action arises. (15-12-9)
O king, difficulties also should be understood as being of many forms. O descendant of Kuru, hear separately of those which arise to kings. (15-12-10)
O son of Pandu, O king, there are many alternatives in times of calamity; by applying Sāma and other means, the king should always pacify them. (15-12-11)
O scorcher of foes, the king, equipped with six forces, should undertake the expedition, properly united with the advantages of place and time and his own qualities. (15-12-12)
The king who is content, prosperous, and strong should undertake actions devoted to the growth of prosperity; and moreover, when summoned, the ruler should proceed even if it is not the time of truth. (15-12-13)
The king advanced towards the river, whose banks were blocked by flag-trees, made very muddy by foot-soldiers and elephants, and filled with pillars, stones, horses, and chariots at the forefront, in order to destroy his rival. (15-12-14)
Now, O Bhārata, by reasoning, the cart, lotus, and thunderbolt (methods); that science which Uśanā knows—there, this is prescribed, O mighty one. (15-12-15)
After subduing the enemy’s force and weakening its strength, one should organize battle both on one’s own land and, similarly, on the enemy’s land. (15-12-16)
The king should, having acquired (what is necessary), pacify (matters), and entrust the wealthy men. Knowing his own domain and that (matter), he should approach with conciliation and other means. (15-12-17)
O great king, one should always maintain the body here in every way. Upon death and here as well, what must be done is to pursue the highest ultimate good for the self. (15-12-18)
Thus, by speaking auspicious words in this world, the king becomes renowned; after death, he also attains heaven by protecting his subjects with righteousness. (15-12-19)
Thus, O best of the Kurus, you should always act for the welfare of the people, for the attainment of both worlds, O dear one, indeed and always. (15-12-20)
Bhīṣma has previously spoken to you, and so have Kṛṣṇa and Vidura; but I too must certainly say it to you, O best of kings, out of affection. (15-12-21)
You, O great giver of gifts, should perform all this according to justice; thus, being dear to the people, you will attain happiness in heaven. (15-12-22)
A king who performs a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices, or who rules his subjects righteously, obtains an equal result. (15-12-23)
