acquirer of a
fixed share of the merits earned by his subjects. By that means the king
becomes endued with righteousness. That ruler of men who rules and
protects his subjects righteously, acquires, by virtue of the protection
he offers to others, many regions of felicity in the world to come. The
other duties of a person of the kingly order consist of self-restraint
and Vedic study, the pouring of libations on the sacred fire, the making
of gifts, study, the bearing of the sacred thread, sacrifices, the
performance of religious rites, the support of servants and dependants,
and perseverance in acts that have been begun. Another duty of his is to
award punishments according to the offences committed. It is also his
duty to perform sacrifices and other religious rites according to the
ordinances laid down in the Vedas. Adherence to the practice of properly
judging the disputes of litigants before him, and a devotion to
truthfulness of speech, and interference for aiding the distressed, are
the other duties by discharging which the king acquires great glory both
here and hereafter. He should also lay down his life on the field of
battle, having displayed great prowess on behalf of kine and Brahmanas.
Such a king acquires in Heaven such regions of felicity as are capable of
being won by the performance of Horse-sacrifices. The duties of the
Vaisya always consist of the keeping of cattle and agriculture, the
pouring of libations on the sacred fire, the making of gifts, and study.
Trade, walking in the path of righteousness, hospitality, peacefulness,
self-restraint, welcoming of Brahmanas, and renouncing things (in favour
of Brahmanas), are the other eternal duties of the Vaisya. The Vaisya,
engaged in trade and walking in the path of righteousness, should never
sell sesame and perfumery and juices or liquid substances. He should
discharge the duties of hospitality towards all. He is at liberty to
pursue religion and wealth and pleasure according to his means and as
much as is judicious for him. The service of the three regenerate classes
constitutes the high duty of the Sudra. That Sudra who is truthful in
speech and who has subdued his senses is regarded as having acquired
meritorious penances. Verily, the Sudra, who having got a guest,
discharges the duties of hospitality towards him, is regarded as
acquiring the merit of high penances. That intelligent Sudra whose
conduct is righteous and who worships the deities and Bra