To be engaged in battle
has been said to be the Sacrifice for a king; a due observance of the
science of chastisement is his Yoga; and the gift of wealth in sacrifices
in the form of Dakshina is his Renunciation. All these should be regarded
as acts that sanctify him. By governing the kingdom with intelligence and
policy, casting off pride, performing sacrifices, and looking at
everything and all persons with kindness and impartiality, a high-souled
king, after death, sports in the region of the gods. By winning battles,
protecting his kingdom, drinking the Soma juice, advancing his subjects,
wielding judiciously the rod of Chastisement, and casting off his body at
last in fight, a king enjoys happiness in heaven. Having studied all the
Vedas and the other scriptures duty, having protected the kingdom
properly, and having caused all the four orders to adhere to their
respective duties, a king becomes sanctified and finally sports in
heaven. He is the best of kings whose conduct, even after his death, is
applauded by the inhabitants of city and country and by his counsellors
and friends."
SECTION XXVI
Vaisampayana said, "In this connection, the high-souled Yudhishthira said
unto Arjuna these words fraught with reason. 'Thou thinkest, O Partha,
that there is nothing superior to wealth, and that the poor man can
neither have heaven, nor happiness, nor the acquisition of his wishes.
This, however, is not true. Many persons are seen that have been crowned
with success through sacrifice in the shape of Vedic study.
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