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Whoever Commentary 8

...by those who have acted with bad intent or through wicked injustice, supported, questioned, held, or seized. By those who know the secret paths, these [enemies] who are destitute and hostile should be made to fall. The hunter The king or strategist is compared to a hunter makes everyone submissive and manageable. And so it is said in the Puranas: "Greatly wise ones, the gods and the thieves alike, are established in this truth." Now, he describes the various Expedients Upaya: diplomatic methods or "means to success".

By intelligence, one should evaluate the strength of one's own and the enemy's forces through the primary methods of Conciliation (Sama) and Division (Bheda). Having employed these means, and being well-prepared with the collection of resources, a powerful ruler—even if lacking a large army—can achieve his desires through policy, just as one guides with eyes.

One must understand the three types of Power Shakti: the inherent capacities of a king regarding one's own and the enemy's forces through intelligence:
1. Energy/Valor (Utsaha-shakti)
2. Counsel/Diplomacy (Mantra-shakti)
3. Majesty/Treasury (Prabhu-shakti)

Among these, the power of Energy consists of personal health, bravery, and perseverance. The power of Counsel consists of the knowledge of divine and human affairs. The power of Majesty consists of the strength of the treasury and the army. As Kamandaka says: "Those who seek success through the scriptures and through effort... these forms of strength are essential." The power of Counsel is described as the excellence of secret deliberation; the power of Majesty is cited as the strength of the treasury and the army. A conqueror, through discipline, subdues his enemies.

Regarding these three powers, the application of Conciliation and Division is explained. First, Conciliation (Sama) is described, which is of five kinds according to Kamandaka:
"Gentle speech, giving honors, speaking pleasant words, giving up one's own interests for another, and recounting past services—these are the five ways of Conciliation." It involves using sweet words and showing humility to achieve the task.

Next is Division (Bheda), which involves removing affection or creating mutual distrust. It is of three types. As Kamandaka says: "By removing affection, by creating hatred, and by threats..."

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...Division is remembered as being of three kinds.

Gift-giving (Dana) Also referred to as Pradana is the relinquishing of land, gold, grain, or elephants to relieve the suffering of others. It is of five types according to Kamandaka: "Giving wealth obtained with effort to the lowly, the middle, and the high; encouraging them with respectful words; and the returning of seized property."

Through these methods, after understanding the strength of one's own and the enemy's forces, one accepts the enemy through Conciliation and the rest. This is the knowledge of the enemy's power. Even a difficult enemy can be won over through these means. It is not merely through Conciliation, Division, and Gifts, but through the "application of secret means" referring to the preparation for war or subversion. One must block the enemy's progress. For example, "How many of my people or the enemy's people are blocking the way?" In the application of secret means, one considers: "How many elephants, horses, and warriors do I and the enemy have?" This is the preparation for battle.

One should win over the virtuous. Those who are destitute or arrogant should be managed through the loss of wealth. If an enemy cannot be subdued by the three methods of Conciliation, Gifts, and Division, then Punishment (Danda) is used against the wicked. It is of three types. As Kamandaka says: "When wealth and conciliation fail, then punishment is applied: it consists of killing, seizure of property, and physical affliction." These are the various methods of Punishment.

Having discussed the Expedients (Sama, etc.), he now speaks of the qualities of a leader...