“My dear brother, a righteous kingdom will surely prosper. Are the brahmanas, demigods and elders being properly respected? Are the women within the kingdom being properly honored and protected? Are disputes being impartially judged? I hope that You avoid the fourteen weaknesses- atheism, hypocrisy, anger, procrastination, laziness, slavery to the senses, contempt for good advice, lack of vigilance, fondness for bad council, impractical planning, inability to keep a secret, attachment to foolish friends, negligence of religious observances, and failure to counteract enemies.”
“Bharata, are you aware of the three kinds of prowess- physical strength, power of authority, and intelligence? Do You avoid the following eight kinds of friends- the deceitful, the reckless, the violent, the envious, the gossiper, the foul-mouthed, the usurper of property, and the unjust?”
“Do You avoid making alliances with these twenty kinds of kings? They are- the child-monarch, the senile, the frail and ill, the over-aggressive, the cowardly, the greedy, the sensualist, the frivolous, those who were defeated in battle, who have been overthrown, who frequently travel abroad, who have many enemies, who are poverty-stricken, who are opposed to religious principles, who are despised by their ministers, and who are mentally disturbed?”
“I hope that You prefer to keep the company of one learned man rather than thousands of ignorant fools. A single talented minister can give one immense benefit, whereas in times of necessity, thousands of fools are of no use.”
“Bharata, if a King does not get rid of a physician who is simply adept at aggravating a disease, a servant who in intent upon bringing disgrace upon his master, or a warrior who wants to become the ruler himself, then he will surely be killed by these three.”
“Are the women protected and honored by You, and are they pacified with regards to their material demands? I hope that You do not place too much faith in women or confide Your secrets to them.”
Valmiki Ramayana/Ayodhya kanda
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