hem, having attentively worshipped the gods by performing
sacrifices and the Rishis by studying the Vedas, the Kshatriya, who in
old age desires another mode of life, may, O king, adopt it by leaving
that one which immediately precedes it, and by that means he is sure to
obtain (ascetic) success. A Kshatriya, for leading the life of a Rishi, O
king, may adopt the Bhikshu mode of life; but he should never do so for
the sake of enjoying the pleasures of the world. Having left the domestic
mode of life, he may adopt the life of mendicancy by begging, what would
barely support his life. A life of mendicancy is not obligatory upon the
three orders (viz. Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras), O giver of profuse
presents! Inasmuch, however, as they can adopt it if they choose, this
mode of life, therefore, is open to the four orders. Amongst men, the
highest duties are those which are practised by Kshatriyas. The whole
world is subject to the might of their arms. All the duties, principal
and subordinate, of the three other orders, are dependent (for their
observance) upon the duties of the Kshatriya. The Vedas have declared
this. Know that as the footprints of all other animals are engulfed in
those of the elephant, even so all the duties of the other orders, under
every circumstance, are engulfed, in those of the Kshatriya. Men
conversant with the scriptures say that the duties of the other three
orders afford small relief or protection, and produce small rewards. The
learned have said that the duties of the Kshatriya afford great relief
and produce great rewards. All duties have kingly duties for their
foremost. All the orders are protected by them. Every kind of
renunciation occurs in kingly duties, O monarch, and renunciation has
been said to be in eternal virtue and the foremost of all.[199] If the
science of chastisement disappears, the Vedas will disappear. All those
scriptures also that inculcate the duties of men become lost. Indeed, if
these ancient duties belonging to the Kshatriyas be abandoned, all the
duties in respect of all the modes of life, become lost. All kinds of
renunciation are seen in kingly duties; all kinds of initiation occur in
them; all kinds of learning are connected with them; and all kinds of
worldly behaviour enter into them. As animals, if slaughtered by the
vulgar, become the means of destroying the virtue and the religious acts
of the slaughterers, even so all other duties, if deprived of the
prot