On the Expeditions of Kings

Yoga 8 Thus, a King who is a "knower" one skilled in politics and omens and desires to set out on a march should do so during the autumn or winter seasons, having considered the strength of his enemy. At a time of auspicious planetary conditions, he should move toward the enemy's territory. Whether the land is a desert, mountainous, or watery, he must ensure his elephants, horses, and infantry are all prepared. All these factors must be in "Yoga" alignment or union. A wise king is one who possesses depth of character and whose counsel is well-formed.

He must distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate actions regarding his treasury and his servants. By these means, and by the grace of Fate Daiva—which is the result of past deeds—he achieves success. Just as a farmer obtains fruit through labor, so does a King obtain results. For the harvest to manifest, there must be fertile soil, a diligent farmer, and the right timing for sowing the seeds. If the seeds are sown in barren ground, how can there be a harvest? 89

Effort must be applied there. Counsel Mantra is the work of the ministers, while the favorable outcome is granted by the gods. Thus is the fruit of labor obtained. When the planetary combinations are favorable, as described in the scriptures, the King's power increases like a mountain that cannot be shaken. He moves toward his goal without hesitation. As it is said: Leading "Just as water is restrained by a dam, so is success bound by disciplined action."

Now, a doubt is raised: If success for one wishing to march depends entirely on the stars, then does the King not become merely a tool of the Astrologer? To this, it is said: By observing the positions of the planets in the zodiac signs, one knows the divine will. But the King himself must possess the drive to act. The King and the Astrologer are like the two halves of a pair of shears. Therefore, this is the established conclusion: the movements of the clouds and the positions of the planets at that specific moment must be known—the signs, the three-fold divisions Drekkana, the nine-fold divisions Navamsha, and the thirty-fold divisions Trishamsha. Knowing the favorability of these is the "Mantra" the plan. Yet, if the one wishing to march does not exert effort, how can the fruit be attained? 5

The Astrologer is the "eye" of the year; he should be personally honored by the King. If the King does not act according to the wisdom of the counselors and the stars, he does not truly function as a King. It is said that the consecration Abhishek: a ritual bathing or anointing of a monarch, the wearing of gems, the performance of pacification rites Shanti: rituals to avert evil or bad luck, fire sacrifices, fasting, and the chanting of prayers are all for the sake of achieving success. If these alone could destroy enemies, why would a King need an army? King

The priest Purohita and the King must work in harmony. The "Mantra" is the plan for victory; the "Abhishek" is the ritual of empowerment; the "Mani-vedhana" is the piercing or wearing of protective gems; and "Shanti" is the calming of portents. If a King who desires to conquer his enemies 89 thinks that these rituals alone are the cause of success, then why would he need to be a King at all? 89

Furthermore, the King must use his own intelligence. Even if advised by ministers, the final decision rests with the ruler. Just as a garden requires a fence, a King requires the "Three-fold Treasury" likely referring to wealth, army, and allies. The scriptures on fire-rituals and other sciences are meant to sharpen the intellect. A King who is well-born, possesses elephants, horses, and a full treasury, and who acts with wisdom, is considered a "Prime King."

Now, the text describes the King who is ready to conquer: "In his own country, preceded by counsel, with elephants, men, horses, and a full treasury, he becomes a traveler toward victory." He who ignores these and acts out of delusion will meet with destruction. Even with a great army, if he lacks policy Niti, he will be overcome by his own subjects or by the enemy. Those who know "Yoga" strategic application say: only when the elephants, horses, and men are in accord with the treasury should the King set out.