2 Ganesha Green background
One should not engage in heresy or associate intimately with non-spiritual people. One should not eat unclean foods like meat, fish or eggs or have sexual relations with a married woman. One should not neglet one’s partner, but approach them at a suitable time for sexual relations. One should always respect and act dutifully towards one’s mother and father, guru and the cows. One should give food and clothes to the weak, blind and poor. Most importantly, always be truthful in speech and honest in all of one’s dealings.
Those who are virtuous enjoy the king’s favour, but those who are not, are to be punished according to the Sastras, but only after consulting with those learned in politics and the law. One should not trust those who do not inspire goodness. If one wants to survive, do not have excessive confidence in those who are egotistic. Especially do not rely on those who are arrogant and violent. By ruling the kingdom through the principles of the dharma, one should create prosperity for all. Give in charity according to one’s capacity, otherwise you will become weak minded. When there is confusion, always choose the right path. He should always be represented honestly through ambassadors, and be of handsome appearance. The king alone shall dole out punishment. Only through fear of punishment do ordinary people adhere to their own duties. Otherwise how would they discern the difference between right and wrong?
In praise and blame one should remain equal minded. If in the past one has injured another or has lost his riches, yet now comes for refuge, he should always be afforded it. The advice of spies should be utilized for the protection of the kingdom. Having subdued the six enemies of the soul, such as lust, one should strive to conquer the rest which include anger, greed, pride, jealousy, and egoism. An excellent king sees to the livelihood of everyone and not the deprivation of his subjects, the demigods, public parks or places of worship. To attain renown, one should give gifts and charity during the recommended phases of the moon. He should not issue commands to his friends or divulge secrets, other than to one’s partner. He should help cows that are in need, and release a Brahmin from debt. He should never tell a lie or abandon dharma. He must captivate the hearts of his ministers, subjects and dependents, and he should always pay homage to Vishnu and the Brahmins”. Suta said, “Somakanta taught his son everything about political conduct as it is presented in the Vedas. This knowledge brings about peace and is very pleasing to everyone. Noticing that the hour was auspicious, the King summoned his ministers. They immediately gathered together many Brahmins that were expert in Vedic knowledge and skilled in sacrificial rites.