The prince speaks of exterminating the rogues by
slaying them as animals in a sacrifice because of the declaration in the
Srutis that those killed in sacrifices ascend to heaven, purged of all
their sins. Such acts, therefore, seem to be merciful to the prince,
compared to death by hanging or on the block.
1222. The world thus improves in conduct and morality through the king
only behaving in a proper way. Cruel punishments are scarcely needed to
reform the world.
1223. The period of human life decreases proportionately in every
succeeding age, as also the strength of human beings. In awarding
punishments, the king should be guided by these considerations.
1224. The word satya is used here for Emancipation. Mahaddahrmaphalam is
true knowledge, so called because, of its superiority to heaven, etc. The
way pointed out by Manu is, of course, the religion of harmlessness. In
verse 35, there is an address to prince Satyavat. It seems, as I have
pointed out, that verses 32 to 35 represent the words of the grandsire to
whom the prince refers in verse 31.
1225. The redundant syllable is arsha.
1226. Both acts and knowledge have been pointed out in the Vedas. The
Vedas, therefore, being authority for both, one or the other cannot be
censured or applauded.
1227. Arsha means here Vedic injunctions declared through the mouths of
inspired Rishis and compiled by Rishis. Viditatmanah is the Supreme Being
himself. The object of the speaker is to show that no part of the Vedas
can be censured, for every word in them is equally authoritative, all
being God's own.
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