बार्हस्पत्य सूत्र / अर्थशास्त्र (महर्षि बृहस्पति - प्राचीन दण्डनीति, राजधर्म एवं कूटनीति सटीक)

BRIHASPATI SŪTRA Now the Brihaspati Sûtra. Now Brihaspati,* the Preceptor, expounds to Indra the Whole Substance of Policy : I (PERSONAL CONDUCT) 1 Self-mastery is the quality of a king. 2 As minister he should appoint one master of himself. 3 His sole science is the Administration of Punishment [= Government]. 4 Even right he should not practise when disapproved by the world. 5 Should he practise it, it should be after recommending it by persons of intelligence. 6 He is to be served by his like. 7 With women, children or the aged, he should not discuss measures of right and policy. 8 He should not engage in magic shows [indrajâla]; 9 In incantations [mantras], however, and festivities; 10 Also in counteracting diseases and poisonings. 11 Not smearing with ashes [like an ascetic].

*Concerning Brihaspati as founder of the Science of Policy see the Introduction. 3 On the question of the king's sciences see Arthashastra, c. 1. 6 On this question of choice of ministers etc. see Arthashastra, cc. 4–5; also 80 infra. 10 On poison in the palace see Arthashastra, c. 17.