199. The king is entitled to a sixth of the merits acquired by his
subjects. The total merit, therefore, of the king, arising from
renunciation, is very great. Besides, the merit of every kind of
renunciation belongs to him in that way.
200. i.e., for ascertaining whether kingly duties are superior to those
laid down for the several modes of life.
201. Probably, in the sense of there being exceptions and limitations in
respect to them.
202. i.e., 'spread confusion on earth.'
203. The sense seems to be that having failed, after such comparison, to
resolve their doubts, they waited upon Vishnu.
204. The Bengal reading satwatah seems to be an error. The Bombay text
has saswatah.
205. Yama is explained by Nilakantha to mean Kshatriya dharmena.
206. Nilakantha thinks that Lingantargatam means omniscient. He is for
taking this verse to mean--'Listen now to those duties about which thou
askest my omniscient self.' Bhishma having acquired omniscience through
Krishna's boon, refers to it here. The interpretation seems to be very
far-fetched.
207. That object is Brahma.
208. i.e.. such a man acquires the merits of all the modes of life.
209. Dasadharmagatam is explained by Nilakantha as 'overcome with fear,
etc." Keeps his eye on the duties of all men,' i.e., protects all men in
the discharge of their duties.
210. If this verse has a reference to kings, nyastadandah would mean one
who punishes without wrath.
211. In this and the preceding verse, Sattwa, without being taken as used
for intelligence, may be taken to mean 'the quality of goodness' as well.
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