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महाभारतः       mahābhārataḥ - book-12, chapter-128

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युधिष्ठिर उवाच ।
मित्रैः प्रहीयमाणस्य बह्वमित्रस्य का गतिः ।
राज्ञः संक्षीणकोशस्य बलहीनस्य भारत ॥१॥
1. yudhiṣṭhira uvāca ,
mitraiḥ prahīyamāṇasya bahvamitrasya kā gatiḥ ,
rājñaḥ saṁkṣīṇakośasya balahīnasya bhārata.
1. Yudhiṣṭhiraḥ uvāca mitraiḥ prahīyamāṇasya bahvamitrasya
kā gatiḥ rājñaḥ saṃkṣīṇakośasya balahīnasya Bhārata
1. Yudhiṣṭhiraḥ uvāca Bhārata mitraiḥ prahīyamāṇasya
bahvamitrasya saṃkṣīṇakośasya balahīnasya rājñaḥ kā gatiḥ
1. Yudhiṣṭhira said: O Bhārata, what is the destiny of a king who is being abandoned by his friends, possesses numerous enemies, has a depleted treasury, and is without power?
दुष्टामात्यसहायस्य स्रुतमन्त्रस्य सर्वतः ।
राज्यात्प्रच्यवमानस्य गतिमन्यामपश्यतः ॥२॥
2. duṣṭāmātyasahāyasya srutamantrasya sarvataḥ ,
rājyātpracyavamānasya gatimanyāmapaśyataḥ.
2. duṣṭāmātyasahāyasya srutamantrasya sarvataḥ
rājyāt pracyavamānasya gatim anyām apaśyataḥ
2. duṣṭāmātyasahāyasya srutamantrasya sarvataḥ
rājyāt pracyavamānasya anyām gatim apaśyataḥ
2. ...who has wicked ministers as his support, whose secret plans (mantra) are leaked everywhere, who is being displaced from his kingdom, and who sees no other recourse.
परचक्राभियातस्य दुर्बलस्य बलीयसा ।
असंविहितराष्ट्रस्य देशकालावजानतः ॥३॥
3. paracakrābhiyātasya durbalasya balīyasā ,
asaṁvihitarāṣṭrasya deśakālāvajānataḥ.
3. paracakrābhiyātasya durbalasya balīyasā
asaṃvihitarāṣṭrasya deśakālāvjānataḥ
3. balīyasā paracakrābhiyātasya durbalasya
asaṃvihitarāṣṭrasya deśakālāvjānataḥ
3. ...of a weak king attacked by a powerful enemy (chakra), whose realm is disorganized, and who disregards the appropriate place and time.
अप्राप्यं च भवेत्सान्त्वं भेदो वाप्यतिपीडनात् ।
जीवितं चार्थहेतोर्वा तत्र किं सुकृतं भवेत् ॥४॥
4. aprāpyaṁ ca bhavetsāntvaṁ bhedo vāpyatipīḍanāt ,
jīvitaṁ cārthahetorvā tatra kiṁ sukṛtaṁ bhavet.
4. aprāpyam ca bhavet sāntvam bhedaḥ vā api atipīḍanāt
jīvitam ca arthahetoḥ vā tatra kim sukṛtam bhavet
4. ca sāntvam aprāpyam bhavet vā atipīḍanāt api bhedaḥ
ca vā arthahetoḥ jīvitam tatra kim sukṛtam bhavet
4. And if conciliation (sāntva) becomes unattainable, or if causing disunion (bheda) is only possible through extreme torment, or if one's life is prolonged merely for the sake of wealth, what good (sukṛta) could possibly come of it?
भीष्म उवाच ।
गुह्यं मा धर्ममप्राक्षीरतीव भरतर्षभ ।
अपृष्टो नोत्सहे वक्तुं धर्ममेनं युधिष्ठिर ॥५॥
5. bhīṣma uvāca ,
guhyaṁ mā dharmamaprākṣīratīva bharatarṣabha ,
apṛṣṭo notsahe vaktuṁ dharmamenaṁ yudhiṣṭhira.
5. bhīṣma uvāca guhyam mā dharmam aprākṣīḥ atīva bharatarṣabha
apṛṣṭaḥ na utsahe vaktum dharmam enam yudhiṣṭhira
5. bhīṣma uvāca bharatarṣabha mā aprākṣīḥ guhyam atīva
dharmam yudhiṣṭhira apṛṣṭaḥ na utsahe vaktum enam dharmam
5. Bhishma said: "O best of the Bharatas, do not ask me about such a profound secret (dharma). O Yudhishthira, I am not able to speak of this intrinsic nature (dharma) unless specifically asked."
धर्मो ह्यणीयान्वचनाद्बुद्धेश्च भरतर्षभ ।
श्रुत्वोपास्य सदाचारैः साधुर्भवति स क्वचित् ॥६॥
6. dharmo hyaṇīyānvacanādbuddheśca bharatarṣabha ,
śrutvopāsya sadācāraiḥ sādhurbhavati sa kvacit.
6. dharmaḥ hi aṇīyān vacanāt buddheḥ ca bharatarṣabha
śrutvā upāsya sadācāraiḥ sādhuḥ bhavati sa kvacit
6. hi dharmaḥ vacanāt ca buddheḥ aṇīyān bharatarṣabha
śrutvā upāsya sadācāraiḥ sa kvacit sādhuḥ bhavati
6. Indeed, the intrinsic nature (dharma) is more subtle than both speech and intellect, O best of the Bharatas. By hearing and practicing it diligently through virtuous conduct, one eventually becomes a truly righteous person.
कर्मणा बुद्धिपूर्वेण भवत्याढ्यो न वा पुनः ।
तादृशोऽयमनुप्रश्नः स व्यवस्यस्त्वया धिया ॥७॥
7. karmaṇā buddhipūrveṇa bhavatyāḍhyo na vā punaḥ ,
tādṛśo'yamanupraśnaḥ sa vyavasyastvayā dhiyā.
7. karmaṇā buddhipūrveṇa bhavati āḍhyaḥ na vā punaḥ
tādṛśaḥ ayam anuprāśnaḥ sa vyavasyaḥ tvayā dhiyā
7. buddhipūrveṇa karmaṇā āḍhyaḥ bhavati vā na punaḥ
ayam tādṛśaḥ anuprāśnaḥ sa tvayā dhiyā vyavasyaḥ
7. Through action (karma) undertaken with prior intention, one may become prosperous or not. This subsequent question (of yours) is of a similar nature; it should be resolved by you with your own intelligence.
उपायं धर्मबहुलं यात्रार्थं शृणु भारत ।
नाहमेतादृशं धर्मं बुभूषे धर्मकारणात् ।
दुःखादान इहाढ्येषु स्यात्तु पश्चात्क्षमो मतः ॥८॥
8. upāyaṁ dharmabahulaṁ yātrārthaṁ śṛṇu bhārata ,
nāhametādṛśaṁ dharmaṁ bubhūṣe dharmakāraṇāt ,
duḥkhādāna ihāḍhyeṣu syāttu paścātkṣamo mataḥ.
8. upāyam dharmabahulam yātrārtham śṛṇu
bhārata na aham etādṛśam dharmam
bubhūṣe dharmakāraṇāt duḥkhādānam
iha āḍhyeṣu syāt tu paścāt kṣamaḥ mataḥ
8. bhārata yātrārtham dharmabahulam
upāyam śṛṇu aham na bubhūṣe etādṛśam
dharmam dharmakāraṇāt iha āḍhyeṣu
duḥkhādānam syāt tu paścāt kṣamaḥ mataḥ
8. Listen, O Bharata, to a path abundant in the intrinsic nature (dharma) for the sake of livelihood. I do not wish to (expound) such an intricate intrinsic nature (dharma) merely for the sake of (ordinary discourse on) natural law (dharma). For here, among the prosperous, it initially causes distress, but it is considered beneficial in the long run.
अनुगम्य गतीनां च सर्वासामेव निश्चयम् ।
यथा यथा हि पुरुषो नित्यं शास्त्रमवेक्षते ।
तथा तथा विजानाति विज्ञानं चास्य रोचते ॥९॥
9. anugamya gatīnāṁ ca sarvāsāmeva niścayam ,
yathā yathā hi puruṣo nityaṁ śāstramavekṣate ,
tathā tathā vijānāti vijñānaṁ cāsya rocate.
9. anugamya gatīnām ca sarvāsām eva
niścayam yathā yathā hi puruṣaḥ
nityam śāstram avekṣate tathā tathā
vijānāti vijñānam ca asya rocate
9. puruṣaḥ hi yathā yathā nityam
sarvāsām gatīnām ca niścayam anugamya
śāstram avekṣate tathā tathā
vijānāti asya ca vijñānam rocate
9. Indeed, as a person (puruṣa) constantly studies the scriptures, thoroughly understanding the definite conclusions of all paths, so does he gain knowledge, and that understanding (vijñāna) becomes delightful to him.
अविज्ञानादयोगश्च पुरुषस्योपजायते ।
अविज्ञानादयोगो हि योगो भूतिकरः पुनः ॥१०॥
10. avijñānādayogaśca puruṣasyopajāyate ,
avijñānādayogo hi yogo bhūtikaraḥ punaḥ.
10. avijñānāt ayogaḥ ca puruṣasya upajāyate
avijñānāt ayogaḥ hi yogaḥ bhūtikaraḥ punaḥ
10. puruṣasya avijñānāt ayogaḥ ca upajāyate hi
avijñānāt ayogaḥ punaḥ yogaḥ bhūtikaraḥ
10. For a person (puruṣa), non-application (ayoga) arises from lack of true understanding (avijñāna). Indeed, while non-application (ayoga) stems from ignorance, proper application (yoga) certainly brings prosperity.
अशङ्कमानो वचनमनसूयुरिदं शृणु ।
राज्ञः कोशक्षयादेव जायते बलसंक्षयः ॥११॥
11. aśaṅkamāno vacanamanasūyuridaṁ śṛṇu ,
rājñaḥ kośakṣayādeva jāyate balasaṁkṣayaḥ.
11. aśaṅkamānaḥ vacanam anasūyuḥ idam śṛṇu
rājñaḥ kośakṣayāt eva jāyate balasaṃkṣayaḥ
11. aśaṅkamānaḥ anasūyuḥ idam vacanam śṛṇu
rājñaḥ kośakṣayāt eva balasaṃkṣayaḥ jāyate
11. Listen to this instruction, without doubt and without malice: indeed, a king's power diminishes solely due to the depletion of his treasury.
कोशं संजनयेद्राजा निर्जलेभ्यो यथा जलम् ।
कालं प्राप्यानुगृह्णीयादेष धर्मोऽत्र सांप्रतम् ॥१२॥
12. kośaṁ saṁjanayedrājā nirjalebhyo yathā jalam ,
kālaṁ prāpyānugṛhṇīyādeṣa dharmo'tra sāṁpratam.
12. kośam saṃjanayet rājā nirjalebhyas yathā jalam
kālam prāpya anugṛhṇīyāt eṣaḥ dharmaḥ atra sāmpratam
12. rājā nirjalebhyas jalam yathā kośam saṃjanayet
kālam prāpya anugṛhṇīyāt eṣaḥ dharmaḥ atra sāmpratam
12. Just as one should provide water to the waterless, so should a king (rājā) generate his treasury. Having seized the opportune moment, he should bestow benefits; this is indeed the appropriate natural law (dharma) here and now.
उपायधर्मं प्राप्यैनं पूर्वैराचरितं जनैः ।
अन्यो धर्मः समर्थानामापत्स्वन्यश्च भारत ॥१३॥
13. upāyadharmaṁ prāpyainaṁ pūrvairācaritaṁ janaiḥ ,
anyo dharmaḥ samarthānāmāpatsvanyaśca bhārata.
13. upāya-dharmam prāpya enam pūrvaiḥ ācaritam janaiḥ
anyaḥ dharmaḥ samarthānām āpatsu anyaḥ ca bhārata
13. bhārata enam upāya-dharmam pūrvaiḥ janaiḥ ācaritam
prāpya samarthānām āpatsu anyaḥ dharmaḥ ca anyaḥ
13. Having observed this "dharma" (natural law) of expediency, practiced by earlier generations, O Bhārata, there is one "dharma" for the capable in times of adversity, and another [for normal circumstances].
प्राक्कोशः प्रोच्यते धर्मो बुद्धिर्धर्माद्गरीयसी ।
धर्मं प्राप्य न्यायवृत्तिमबलीयान्न विन्दति ॥१४॥
14. prākkośaḥ procyate dharmo buddhirdharmādgarīyasī ,
dharmaṁ prāpya nyāyavṛttimabalīyānna vindati.
14. prāk-kośaḥ procyate dharmaḥ buddhiḥ dharmāt garīyasī
dharmam prāpya nyāya-vṛttim abalīyān na vindati
14. prāk-kośaḥ dharmaḥ procyate buddhiḥ dharmāt garīyasī
abalīyān dharmam nyāya-vṛttim prāpya na vindati
14. The foundational treasury is declared to be "dharma" (natural law); intelligence is superior to "dharma". A weak person, even having acquired "dharma" and righteous conduct, does not achieve [success].
यस्माद्धनस्योपपत्तिरेकान्तेन न विद्यते ।
तस्मादापद्यधर्मोऽपि श्रूयते धर्मलक्षणः ॥१५॥
15. yasmāddhanasyopapattirekāntena na vidyate ,
tasmādāpadyadharmo'pi śrūyate dharmalakṣaṇaḥ.
15. yasmāt dhanasya upapattiḥ ekāntena na vidyate
tasmāt āpadi adharmaḥ api śrūyate dharma-lakṣaṇaḥ
15. yasmāt dhanasya upapattiḥ ekāntena na vidyate
tasmāt āpadi adharmaḥ api dharma-lakṣaṇaḥ śrūyate
15. Because the availability of wealth is not always certain; therefore, in times of calamity, even that which is "adharma" (unrighteousness) is declared to possess the characteristics of "dharma" (natural law).
अधर्मो जायते यस्मिन्निति वै कवयो विदुः ।
अनन्तरः क्षत्रियस्य इति वै विचिकित्ससे ॥१६॥
16. adharmo jāyate yasminniti vai kavayo viduḥ ,
anantaraḥ kṣatriyasya iti vai vicikitsase.
16. adharmaḥ jāyate yasmin iti vai kavayaḥ viduḥ
anantaraḥ kṣatriyasya iti vai vicikitsase
16. kavayaḥ vai yasmin adharmaḥ jāyate iti viduḥ
vai kṣatriyasya anantaraḥ iti vicikitsase
16. The wise indeed know in which circumstances "adharma" (unrighteousness) arises. But you, indeed, doubt what is the immediate [duty] for a warrior (kṣatriya).
यथास्य धर्मो न ग्लायेन्नेयाच्छत्रुवशं यथा ।
तत्कर्तव्यमिहेत्याहुर्नात्मानमवसादयेत् ॥१७॥
17. yathāsya dharmo na glāyenneyācchatruvaśaṁ yathā ,
tatkartavyamihetyāhurnātmānamavasādayet.
17. yathā asya dharmaḥ na glāyet na īyāt śatru-vaśam
yathā tat kartavyam iha iti āhuḥ na ātmānam avasādayet
17. iha asya dharmaḥ yathā na glāyet yathā śatru-vaśam
na īyāt tat kartavyam iti āhuḥ ātmānam na avasādayet
17. They say that one should act here in such a way that his natural law (dharma) does not decline, nor does he fall under the enemy's control. He should not ruin himself or his self (ātman).
सन्नात्मा नैव धर्मस्य न परस्य न चात्मनः ।
सर्वोपायैरुज्जिहीर्षेदात्मानमिति निश्चयः ॥१८॥
18. sannātmā naiva dharmasya na parasya na cātmanaḥ ,
sarvopāyairujjihīrṣedātmānamiti niścayaḥ.
18. sannaḥ ātmā na eva dharmasya na parasya na ca ātmanaḥ
sarva-upāyaiḥ ut-jihīrṣet ātmānam iti niścayaḥ
18. sannaḥ ātmā dharmasya eva na parasya na ca ātmanaḥ
na sarva-upāyaiḥ ātmānam ut-jihīrṣet iti niścayaḥ
18. A person whose self (ātman) is ruined is fit neither for his own natural law (dharma) nor for others, nor even for himself. Therefore, one should strive to uplift oneself by all possible means; this is the firm resolve.
तत्र धर्मविदां तात निश्चयो धर्मनैपुणे ।
उद्यमो जीवनं क्षत्रे बाहुवीर्यादिति श्रुतिः ॥१९॥
19. tatra dharmavidāṁ tāta niścayo dharmanaipuṇe ,
udyamo jīvanaṁ kṣatre bāhuvīryāditi śrutiḥ.
19. tatra dharma-vidām tāta niścayaḥ dharma-naipuṇe
udyamaḥ jīvanam kṣatre bāhu-vīryāt iti śrutiḥ
19. tāta tatra dharma-vidām dharma-naipuṇe niścayaḥ
kṣatre bāhu-vīryāt udyamaḥ jīvanam iti śrutiḥ
19. O dear one (tāta), those who understand natural law (dharma) have a firm resolve concerning expertise in (dharma). It is a tradition (śruti) that for a warrior (kṣatra), exertion (udyamaḥ) is life, derived from the strength of his arms.
क्षत्रियो वृत्तिसंरोधे कस्य नादातुमर्हति ।
अन्यत्र तापसस्वाच्च ब्राह्मणस्वाच्च भारत ॥२०॥
20. kṣatriyo vṛttisaṁrodhe kasya nādātumarhati ,
anyatra tāpasasvācca brāhmaṇasvācca bhārata.
20. kṣatriyaḥ vṛtti-saṃrodhe kasya na adātum arhati
anyatra tāpasa-svāt ca brāhmaṇa-svāt ca bhārata
20. bhārata kṣatriyaḥ vṛtti-saṃrodhe kasya na adātum
arhati tāpasa-svāt ca brāhmaṇa-svāt ca anyatra
20. O Bhārata, when a warrior (kṣatriya) finds his livelihood obstructed, from whom should he not take? (Implying he may take from anyone). He is permitted to take from any source, except from the property of ascetics (tāpasa) and the property of Brahmins.
यथा वै ब्राह्मणः सीदन्नयाज्यमपि याजयेत् ।
अभोज्यान्नानि चाश्नीयात्तथेदं नात्र संशयः ॥२१॥
21. yathā vai brāhmaṇaḥ sīdannayājyamapi yājayet ,
abhojyānnāni cāśnīyāttathedaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ.
21. yathā vai brāhmaṇaḥ sīdan ayājyam api yājayet
abhojyānnāni ca aśnīyāt tathā idam na atra saṃśayaḥ
21. yathā vai sīdan brāhmaṇaḥ ayājyam api yājayet ca
abhojyānnāni aśnīyāt tathā idam atra saṃśayaḥ na
21. Just as a Brahmin, when in distress, might even perform sacrifices for those for whom it is forbidden (ayājya) or eat food that is prohibited (abhojya), so it is with this matter; there is no doubt about it.
पीडितस्य किमद्वारमुत्पथो निधृतस्य वा ।
अद्वारतः प्रद्रवति यदा भवति पीडितः ॥२२॥
22. pīḍitasya kimadvāramutpatho nidhṛtasya vā ,
advārataḥ pradravati yadā bhavati pīḍitaḥ.
22. pīḍitasya kim advāram utpathaḥ nidhr̥tasya
vā advārataḥ pradravati yadā bhavati pīḍitaḥ
22. pīḍitasya vā nidhr̥tasya kim advāram utpathaḥ
yadā pīḍitaḥ bhavati advārataḥ pradravati
22. For one who is distressed, what constitutes an improper means (advāra) or a wrongful path (utpatha) when one is utterly oppressed? Indeed, when a person becomes distressed, he will resort to any unauthorized means.
तस्य कोशबलज्यान्या सर्वलोकपराभवः ।
भैक्षचर्या न विहिता न च विट्शूद्रजीविका ॥२३॥
23. tasya kośabalajyānyā sarvalokaparābhavaḥ ,
bhaikṣacaryā na vihitā na ca viṭśūdrajīvikā.
23. tasya kośabalajyānyā sarvalokaparābhavaḥ
bhaikṣacaryā na vihitā na ca viṭśūdra-jīvikā
23. tasya kośabalajyānyā sarvalokaparābhavaḥ (bhavati)
bhaikṣacaryā na vihitā ca viṭśūdra-jīvikā na (vihitā)
23. Through the loss of his treasury (kośa) and army, there is the complete defeat of all people. Neither the practice of mendicancy (bhikṣacaryā) nor the livelihood of a Vaiśya or a Śūdra is prescribed (as a righteous course of action, dharma).
स्वधर्मानन्तरा वृत्तिर्यान्याननुपजीवतः ।
वहतः प्रथमं कल्पमनुकल्पेन जीवनम् ॥२४॥
24. svadharmānantarā vṛttiryānyānanupajīvataḥ ,
vahataḥ prathamaṁ kalpamanukalpena jīvanam.
24. svadharmānantarā vr̥ttiḥ yān anyān anupajīvataḥ
vahataḥ prathamam kalpam anukalpena jīvanam
24. svadharmānantarā vr̥ttiḥ yān anyān anupajīvataḥ (satyām)
vahataḥ prathamam kalpam jīvanam anukalpena (bhavati)
24. A livelihood (vr̥tti) immediately adjacent to one's own intrinsic nature (svadharma) is [permissible] for one who cannot live by those other (forbidden) means. For one who upholds the primary course (prathama kalpa), survival (jīvanam) is by a secondary alternative (anukalpa).
आपद्गतेन धर्माणामन्यायेनोपजीवनम् ।
अपि ह्येतद्ब्राह्मणेषु दृष्टं वृत्तिपरिक्षये ॥२५॥
25. āpadgatena dharmāṇāmanyāyenopajīvanam ,
api hyetadbrāhmaṇeṣu dṛṣṭaṁ vṛttiparikṣaye.
25. āpadgatena dharmāṇām anyāyena upajīvanam |
api hi etat brāhmaṇeṣu dṛṣṭam vṛttiparikṣaye
25. āpadgatena dharmāṇām anyāyena upajīvanam
vṛttiparikṣaye brāhmaṇeṣu etat api hi dṛṣṭam
25. When one is in distress, subsisting by means contrary to natural law (dharma) - even this has been observed among Brahmins when their livelihood is completely lost.
क्षत्रिये संशयः कः स्यादित्येतन्निश्चितं सदा ।
आददीत विशिष्टेभ्यो नावसीदेत्कथंचन ॥२६॥
26. kṣatriye saṁśayaḥ kaḥ syādityetanniścitaṁ sadā ,
ādadīta viśiṣṭebhyo nāvasīdetkathaṁcana.
26. kṣatriye saṃśayaḥ kaḥ syāt iti etat niścitam sadā
| ādadīta viśiṣṭebhyaḥ na avasīdet kathaṃcana
26. kṣatriye kaḥ saṃśayaḥ syāt iti etat sadā niścitam
viśiṣṭebhyaḥ ādadīta kathaṃcana na avasīdet
26. If this is the case for Brahmins, then what doubt can there be concerning a Kṣatriya? This is always a settled matter. He (a Kṣatriya) should accept aid from superior individuals and should never fall into distress.
हन्तारं रक्षितारं च प्रजानां क्षत्रियं विदुः ।
तस्मात्संरक्षता कार्यमादानं क्षत्रबन्धुना ॥२७॥
27. hantāraṁ rakṣitāraṁ ca prajānāṁ kṣatriyaṁ viduḥ ,
tasmātsaṁrakṣatā kāryamādānaṁ kṣatrabandhunā.
27. hantāram rakṣitāram ca prajānām kṣatriyam viduḥ
| tasmāt saṃrakṣatā kāryam ādānam kṣatrabandhunā
27. prajānām hantāram ca rakṣitāram kṣatriyam viduḥ
tasmāt kṣatrabandhunā saṃrakṣatā ādānam kāryam
27. People consider a Kṣatriya to be both the destroyer and the protector of the subjects. Therefore, a nominal Kṣatriya (kṣatrabandhu), acting as a protector, should perform the task of taking (taxes/resources).
अन्यत्र राजन्हिंसाया वृत्तिर्नेहास्ति कस्यचित् ।
अप्यरण्यसमुत्थस्य एकस्य चरतो मुनेः ॥२८॥
28. anyatra rājanhiṁsāyā vṛttirnehāsti kasyacit ,
apyaraṇyasamutthasya ekasya carato muneḥ.
28. anyatra rājan hiṃsāyāḥ vṛttiḥ na iha asti kasyacit
| api araṇyasamutthasya ekasya carataḥ muneḥ
28. rājan iha hiṃsāyāḥ anyatra kasyacit vṛttiḥ na asti api
araṇyasamutthasya ekasya carataḥ muneḥ [api na asti]
28. O King, in this world, no one has a livelihood (vṛtti) that is entirely free from causing harm. This is true even for a solitary sage (muni) who wanders, having arisen from the forest.
न शङ्खलिखितां वृत्तिं शक्यमास्थाय जीवितुम् ।
विशेषतः कुरुश्रेष्ठ प्रजापालनमीप्सता ॥२९॥
29. na śaṅkhalikhitāṁ vṛttiṁ śakyamāsthāya jīvitum ,
viśeṣataḥ kuruśreṣṭha prajāpālanamīpsatā.
29. na śaṅkhalikhitām vṛttim śakyam āsthāya jīvitum
viśeṣataḥ kuruśreṣṭha prajāpālanam īpsatā
29. kuruśreṣṭha prajāpālanam īpsatā śaṅkhalikhitām
vṛttim āsthāya jīvitum na śakyam viśeṣataḥ
29. O best among the Kurus, it is not possible to sustain a livelihood by rigidly adhering to a prescribed (literally, 'conch-written') course of action, especially for one who desires to protect the citizens.
परस्पराभिसंरक्षा राज्ञा राष्ट्रेण चापदि ।
नित्यमेवेह कर्तव्या एष धर्मः सनातनः ॥३०॥
30. parasparābhisaṁrakṣā rājñā rāṣṭreṇa cāpadi ,
nityameveha kartavyā eṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ.
30. parasparābhisaṃrakṣā rājñā rāṣṭreṇa ca āpadi
nityam eva iha kartavyā eṣaḥ dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ
30. āpadi rājñā ca rāṣṭreṇa parasparābhisaṃrakṣā
iha nityam eva kartavyā eṣaḥ sanātanaḥ dharmaḥ
30. In times of distress, the king and the state must always provide mutual protection to each other. This is the eternal natural law (dharma).
राजा राष्ट्रं यथापत्सु द्रव्यौघैः परिरक्षति ।
राष्ट्रेण राजा व्यसने परिरक्ष्यस्तथा भवेत् ॥३१॥
31. rājā rāṣṭraṁ yathāpatsu dravyaughaiḥ parirakṣati ,
rāṣṭreṇa rājā vyasane parirakṣyastathā bhavet.
31. rājā rāṣṭram yathā āpatsu dravyayaughaiḥ parirakṣati
rāṣṭreṇa rājā vyasane parirakṣyaḥ tathā bhavet
31. yathā rājā āpatsu dravyayaughaiḥ rāṣṭram parirakṣati
tathā rāṣṭreṇa rājā vyasane parirakṣyaḥ bhavet
31. Just as a king protects the state from calamities with abundant resources, so too should the king be protected by the state in times of adversity.
कोशं दण्डं बलं मित्रं यदन्यदपि संचितम् ।
न कुर्वीतान्तरं राष्ट्रे राजा परिगते क्षुधा ॥३२॥
32. kośaṁ daṇḍaṁ balaṁ mitraṁ yadanyadapi saṁcitam ,
na kurvītāntaraṁ rāṣṭre rājā parigate kṣudhā.
32. kośam daṇḍam balam mitram yat anyat api saṃcitam
na kurvīta antaram rāṣṭre rājā parigate kṣudhā
32. rāṣṭre kṣudhā parigate rājā kośam daṇḍam balam
mitram yat anyat api saṃcitam antaram na kurvīta
32. When the state is afflicted by hunger, the king should not neglect the treasury, the military (daṇḍa), his power, his allies, or any other accumulated resource.
बीजं भक्तेन संपाद्यमिति धर्मविदो विदुः ।
अत्रैतच्छम्बरस्याहुर्महामायस्य दर्शनम् ॥३३॥
33. bījaṁ bhaktena saṁpādyamiti dharmavido viduḥ ,
atraitacchambarasyāhurmahāmāyasya darśanam.
33. bījam bhaktena saṃpādyam iti dharmavidaḥ viduḥ
atra etat śambarasya āhuḥ mahāmāyasya darśanam
33. dharmavidaḥ bījam bhaktena saṃpādyam iti viduḥ
atra etat mahāmāyasya śambarasya darśanam āhuḥ
33. The knowers of natural law (dharma) understand that the fundamental principle should be cultivated by the devoted. In this regard, they present this perspective of Śambara, the great master of illusion (māyā).
धिक्तस्य जीवितं राज्ञो राष्ट्रे यस्यावसीदति ।
अवृत्त्यान्त्यमनुष्योऽपि यो वै वेद शिबेर्वचः ॥३४॥
34. dhiktasya jīvitaṁ rājño rāṣṭre yasyāvasīdati ,
avṛttyāntyamanuṣyo'pi yo vai veda śibervacaḥ.
34. dhik tasya jīvitam rājñaḥ rāṣṭre yasya avasīdati
avṛttyā antyamanuṣyaḥ api yaḥ vai veda śibeḥ vacaḥ
34. dhik tasya rājñaḥ jīvitam yasya rāṣṭre avṛttyā
antyamanuṣyaḥ api avasīdati yaḥ vai śibeḥ vacaḥ veda
34. Shame upon the life of that king in whose realm even the lowest person suffers due to a lack of livelihood, especially if that king indeed knows the teachings of Śibi.
राज्ञः कोशबलं मूलं कोशमूलं पुनर्बलम् ।
तन्मूलं सर्वधर्माणां धर्ममूलाः पुनः प्रजाः ॥३५॥
35. rājñaḥ kośabalaṁ mūlaṁ kośamūlaṁ punarbalam ,
tanmūlaṁ sarvadharmāṇāṁ dharmamūlāḥ punaḥ prajāḥ.
35. rājñaḥ kośabalam mūlam kośamūlam punaḥ balam tat
mūlam sarvadharmāṇām dharmamūlāḥ punaḥ prajāḥ
35. rājñaḥ kośabalam mūlam balam punaḥ kośamūlam tat
sarvadharmāṇām mūlam punaḥ prajāḥ dharmamūlāḥ
35. For a king, the treasury and the army are the foundation. Furthermore, the army itself is rooted in the treasury. That (treasury) is the very foundation of all natural laws (dharma). And in turn, the people are rooted in natural law (dharma).
नान्यानपीडयित्वेह कोशः शक्यः कुतो बलम् ।
तदर्थं पीडयित्वा च दोषं न प्राप्तुमर्हति ॥३६॥
36. nānyānapīḍayitveha kośaḥ śakyaḥ kuto balam ,
tadarthaṁ pīḍayitvā ca doṣaṁ na prāptumarhati.
36. na anyān apīḍayitvā iha kośaḥ śakyaḥ kutaḥ balam
tadartham pīḍayitvā ca doṣam na prāptum arhati
36. iha anyān apīḍayitvā kośaḥ na śakyaḥ kutaḥ balam
ca tadartham pīḍayitvā doṣam na prāptum arhati
36. A treasury cannot be amassed here without afflicting others; how then can an army be formed? Therefore, having resorted to afflicting others for that purpose (the treasury and army), one should not incur blame.
अकार्यमपि यज्ञार्थं क्रियते यज्ञकर्मसु ।
एतस्मात्कारणाद्राजा न दोषं प्राप्तुमर्हति ॥३७॥
37. akāryamapi yajñārthaṁ kriyate yajñakarmasu ,
etasmātkāraṇādrājā na doṣaṁ prāptumarhati.
37. akāryam api yajñārtham kriyate yajñakarmasu
etasmāt kāraṇāt rājā na doṣam prāptum arhati
37. yajñakarmasu yajñārtham akāryam api kriyate
etasmāt kāraṇāt rājā doṣam prāptum na arhati
37. Even an action that might otherwise be considered improper (akārya) is performed for the sake of a ritual offering (yajña) in the context of sacrificial rites (yajñakarma). For this reason, the king should not incur any blame.
अर्थार्थमन्यद्भवति विपरीतमथापरम् ।
अनर्थार्थमथाप्यन्यत्तत्सर्वं ह्यर्थलक्षणम् ।
एवं बुद्ध्या संप्रपश्येन्मेधावी कार्यनिश्चयम् ॥३८॥
38. arthārthamanyadbhavati viparītamathāparam ,
anarthārthamathāpyanyattatsarvaṁ hyarthalakṣaṇam ,
evaṁ buddhyā saṁprapaśyenmedhāvī kāryaniścayam.
38. arthārtham anyat bhavati viparītam atha
aparam anarthārtham atha api anyat
tat sarvam hi arthalakṣaṇam evam
buddhyā saṃprapaśyet medhāvī kāryaniścayam
38. arthārtham anyat bhavati,
atha aparam viparītam (bhavati) atha api anyat anarthārtham (bhavati) tat sarvam hi arthalakṣaṇam evam medhāvī buddhyā kāryaniścayam saṃprapaśyet
38. One action (or outcome) is for gain (artha), while another yields the opposite result. Yet another is for non-gain or harm. All of this is indeed characterized by purpose (artha). Thus, an intelligent person (medhāvī) should discern the true nature of an action through their intellect.
यज्ञार्थमन्यद्भवति यज्ञे नार्थस्तथापरः ।
यज्ञस्यार्थार्थमेवान्यत्तत्सर्वं यज्ञसाधनम् ॥३९॥
39. yajñārthamanyadbhavati yajñe nārthastathāparaḥ ,
yajñasyārthārthamevānyattatsarvaṁ yajñasādhanam.
39. yajñārtham anyat bhavati yajñe na arthaḥ tathā aparaḥ
yajñasya arthārtham eva anyat tat sarvam yajñasādhanam
39. anyat yajñārtham bhavati tathā yajñe
(aparasya) arthaḥ na (bhavati)
yajñasya arthārtham eva anyat (bhavati)
tat sarvam yajñasādhanam (bhavati)
39. One action is performed for the sake of a ritual offering (yajña), while another has no such purpose (artha) within the ritual. There is yet another action which is exclusively for the attainment of the specific goal (artha) of the ritual offering (yajña). All these actions together constitute the means (sādhana) for the ritual offering (yajña).
उपमामत्र वक्ष्यामि धर्मतत्त्वप्रकाशिनीम् ।
यूपं छिन्दन्ति यज्ञार्थं तत्र ये परिपन्थिनः ॥४०॥
40. upamāmatra vakṣyāmi dharmatattvaprakāśinīm ,
yūpaṁ chindanti yajñārthaṁ tatra ye paripanthinaḥ.
40. upamām atra vakṣyāmi dharmatatṭvaprakāśinīm
yūpam chindanti yajñārtham tatra ye paripanthinaḥ
40. atra dharmatatṭvaprakāśinīm upamām vakṣyāmi (yathā janāḥ) yajñārtham yūpam chindanti tatra ye paripanthinaḥ (सन्ति,
ते अपि धर्मविघ्नकारिणः सन्ति)
40. Here I will provide an illustration that illuminates the essence of natural law (dharma). For example, people cut a sacrificial post (yūpa) for the sake of a ritual offering (yajña). Those who obstruct this act are indeed hindrances (paripanthinaḥ).
द्रुमाः केचन सामन्ता ध्रुवं छिन्दन्ति तानपि ।
ते चापि निपतन्तोऽन्यान्निघ्नन्ति च वनस्पतीन् ॥४१॥
41. drumāḥ kecana sāmantā dhruvaṁ chindanti tānapi ,
te cāpi nipatanto'nyānnighnanti ca vanaspatīn.
41. drumāḥ kecana sāmantāḥ dhruvaṃ chindanti tān api
te ca api nipatantaḥ anyān nighnanti ca vanaspatīn
41. kecana sāmantāḥ drumāḥ dhruvaṃ tān api chindanti
ca te api nipatantaḥ anyān vanaspatīn ca nighnanti
41. Just as some prominent (sāmantāḥ) trees are certainly cut down, and those (very trees), while falling, also strike down other trees.
एवं कोशस्य महतो ये नराः परिपन्थिनः ।
तानहत्वा न पश्यामि सिद्धिमत्र परंतप ॥४२॥
42. evaṁ kośasya mahato ye narāḥ paripanthinaḥ ,
tānahatvā na paśyāmi siddhimatra paraṁtapa.
42. evaṃ kośasya mahataḥ ye narāḥ paripanthinaḥ
tān ahatvā na paśyāmi siddhim atra paraṃtapa
42. he paraṃtapa evaṃ mahataḥ kośasya ye narāḥ
paripanthinaḥ tān ahatvā atra siddhim na paśyāmi
42. Thus, O tormentor of foes (paraṃtapa), I do not see success without killing those men who are obstructors of the great treasury.
धनेन जयते लोकावुभौ परमिमं तथा ।
सत्यं च धर्मवचनं यथा नास्त्यधनस्तथा ॥४३॥
43. dhanena jayate lokāvubhau paramimaṁ tathā ,
satyaṁ ca dharmavacanaṁ yathā nāstyadhanastathā.
43. dhanena jayate lokau ubhau param imam tathā satyaṃ
ca dharmavacanaṃ yathā na asti adhanaḥ tathā
43. dhanena ubhau imam param lokau jayate ca satyaṃ
dharmavacanaṃ (api) yathā adhanaḥ na asti tathā (na asti)
43. By wealth, one conquers both this world and the other (world). And truth and the pronouncement of (natural law) dharma (natural law) are (valued) just as a person without wealth is not (valued).
सर्वोपायैराददीत धनं यज्ञप्रयोजनम् ।
न तुल्यदोषः स्यादेवं कार्याकार्येषु भारत ॥४४॥
44. sarvopāyairādadīta dhanaṁ yajñaprayojanam ,
na tulyadoṣaḥ syādevaṁ kāryākāryeṣu bhārata.
44. sarvopāyaiḥ ādadīta dhanaṃ yajñaprayojanam
na tulyadoṣaḥ syāt evaṃ kāryākāryeṣu bhārata
44. bhārata,
sarvopāyaiḥ yajñaprayojanam dhanaṃ ādadīta evaṃ kāryākāryeṣu na tulyadoṣaḥ syāt
44. One should acquire wealth by all means for the purpose of (yajña) sacrifice. In this way, O Bhārata, one should not be considered equally blameworthy for what is to be done and what is not to be done.
नैतौ संभवतो राजन्कथंचिदपि भारत ।
न ह्यरण्येषु पश्यामि धनवृद्धानहं क्वचित् ॥४५॥
45. naitau saṁbhavato rājankathaṁcidapi bhārata ,
na hyaraṇyeṣu paśyāmi dhanavṛddhānahaṁ kvacit.
45. na etau saṃbhavataḥ rājan kathaṃcit api bhārata
na hi araṇyeṣu paśyāmi dhanavṛddhān aham kvacit
45. rājan bhārata,
etau kathaṃcit api na saṃbhavataḥ.
hi aham araṇyeṣu kvacit dhanavṛddhān na paśyāmi.
45. O King (rājan), O Bhārata, these two (conditions, i.e., wealth and living in forests) are certainly not possible in any way. For I indeed never see wealthy people anywhere in the forests.
यदिदं दृश्यते वित्तं पृथिव्यामिह किंचन ।
ममेदं स्यान्ममेदं स्यादित्ययं काङ्क्षते जनः ॥४६॥
46. yadidaṁ dṛśyate vittaṁ pṛthivyāmiha kiṁcana ,
mamedaṁ syānmamedaṁ syādityayaṁ kāṅkṣate janaḥ.
46. yad idam dṛśyate vittam pṛthivyām iha kiṃcana mama
idam syāt mama idam syāt iti ayam kāṅkṣate janaḥ
46. iha pṛthivyām yad kiṃcana idam vittam dṛśyate,
ayam janaḥ "idam mama syāt,
idam mama syāt" iti kāṅkṣate.
46. Whatever wealth is seen here on earth, this person (jana) desires it, thinking, 'This should be mine! This should be mine!'
न च राज्यसमो धर्मः कश्चिदस्ति परंतप ।
धर्मं शंसन्ति ते राज्ञामापदर्थमितोऽन्यथा ॥४७॥
47. na ca rājyasamo dharmaḥ kaścidasti paraṁtapa ,
dharmaṁ śaṁsanti te rājñāmāpadarthamito'nyathā.
47. na ca rājyasamaḥ dharmaḥ kaścit asti paraṃtapa
dharmam śaṃsanti te rājñām āpadartham itaḥ anyathā
47. paraṃtapa,
ca kaścit rājyasamaḥ dharmaḥ na asti.
te rājñām dharmam āpadartham śaṃsanti; itaḥ anyathā (vadanti).
47. O tormentor of foes, no inherent constitution (dharma) is equal to that of kingship. People praise the king's inherent constitution (dharma) for the purpose of averting calamities; otherwise, they speak differently.
दानेन कर्मणा चान्ये तपसान्ये तपस्विनः ।
बुद्ध्या दाक्ष्येण चाप्यन्ये चिन्वन्ति धनसंचयान् ॥४८॥
48. dānena karmaṇā cānye tapasānye tapasvinaḥ ,
buddhyā dākṣyeṇa cāpyanye cinvanti dhanasaṁcayān.
48. dānena karmaṇā ca anye tapasā anye tapasvinaḥ
buddhyā dākṣyeṇa ca api anye cinvanti dhanasaṃcayān
48. anye dānena ca karmaṇā (dhanasaṃcayān) cinvanti,
anye tapasvinaḥ tapasā (cinvanti),
ca api anye buddhyā dākṣyeṇa ca dhanasaṃcayān cinvanti.
48. Some, by giving (dāna) and by actions (karma), others, the ascetics (tapasvina), by austerity (tapas), and still others, by intelligence and skill, accumulate stores of wealth.
अधनं दुर्बलं प्राहुर्धनेन बलवान्भवेत् ।
सर्वं धनवतः प्राप्यं सर्वं तरति कोशवान् ।
कोशाद्धर्मश्च कामश्च परो लोकस्तथाप्ययम् ॥४९॥
49. adhanaṁ durbalaṁ prāhurdhanena balavānbhavet ,
sarvaṁ dhanavataḥ prāpyaṁ sarvaṁ tarati kośavān ,
kośāddharmaśca kāmaśca paro lokastathāpyayam.
49. adhanam durbalam prāhuḥ dhanena balavān
bhavet sarvam dhanavataḥ prāpyam
sarvam tarati kośavān kośāt dharmaḥ
ca kāmaḥ ca paraḥ lokaḥ tathā api ayam
49. adhanam durbalam prāhuḥ dhanena balavān
bhavet dhanavataḥ sarvam prāpyam
kośavān sarvam tarati kośāt dharmaḥ
ca kāmaḥ ca paraḥ lokaḥ tathā ayam api
49. It is said that a moneyless person is weak; one becomes powerful through wealth. Everything is attainable for the wealthy, and he who possesses a treasury overcomes all. From wealth arise both righteousness (dharma) and desire (kāma), as well as the higher world and this very one.