The Royal Expedition of Varahamihira with Utpala's Commentary

Three things: by subduing enemies, he obtains sons; another obtains his own property in the world or the affection of the people in the countryside. And it is said: "Having performed the work illuminated by the Brahmins with effort, according to the followers of Parāśara original: "pārāśariṇaḥ"; referring to an ancient school of astrology/law, he obtains success." 24. Having performed the rites and so on according to the rules, what should he do next? This is stated:

He should use water from sacred bathing places, lotuses, yellow orpiment original: "gorocanā"; a bright yellow pigment found in cattle, considered highly auspicious, mustard seeds, flowers, white garments, a turban, gold, and jewels, and attend to the words of the sages. 25. Dūrvā grass from green pastures, the rut of elephants original: "hastimada"; fluid from a musth elephant, symbolizing power, and collyrium original: "añjana"; eye-salve are well known. "Water from sacred places" refers to the water of holy rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna. "Earth from sacred places" refers to the clay or soil from those spots. "Yellow orpiment" is cow-gallstone. "Mustard seeds" are white mustard. "Flowers" are the best scents. "Fragrant substances" include sandalwood, aloe-wood, musk, and others. Other items are prepared using the combinations mentioned for scents. "White garments" are clean clothes. A "turban" is a head-band. "Gold" is yellow metal. "Jewels" are specific types of gems. These destroy enemies and remove fear. Having placed these on the body in the proper order, he should then listen to the words of the physicians. The physician should ensure everything is prepared. 24. After that, what should he do? This is stated:

With smiles and pleasant first-speech, with a gracious gaze and by taking their hands, he should please even the common men according to their status, to complete the religious duty. 25. Then he should resort to and serve the assembly joined for the purpose of law and wealth. Doing what? With smiles—joined with slight laughter; pleasant—clear and without harsh words; first-speech—speaking before being spoken to; with a gracious gaze—a look of affection; by taking their hands—leaning on or touching their hands. Acting according to their status, he should please the hearts and minds of even the common people. 25. Then what should he do? It is said:

Wearing modest dress and ornaments, raising his right hand, accompanied by wise men, the King, whether sitting comfortably or standing, should view the legal proceedings equally toward both enemy and friend. 26.

In the viewing of legal proceedings 26. The King, sitting comfortably or standing, or seated with the virtuous; "equal toward enemy and friend" means he is the same toward enemies and friends, free from attachment or hatred. Furthermore, "wearing modest dress and ornaments"—modest means not arrogant or flashy; "dress" is the decoration of the body; "modest ornaments" are necklaces, bracelets, armlets, and so on. "Raising his right hand" means making a gesture of assurance; "accompanied by wise men" means with scholars and those learned in the scriptures. 26. Now he states the duties of a King Rājadharma: the ethical and legal duties of a monarch:

One should not think, "I am endowed with mercy"; in the case of crimes, punishment original: "daṇḍa"; literally 'the staff', representing justice and punishment is the heat/discipline, not just mercy. For by the power of punishment, the virtuous are protected from the hand of the wicked, like a herd of deer. 27. "I am endowed with mercy"—if he thinks "I am different/lenient," he should not think so. Because in the case of faults deserving of punishment, the abandonment of punishment by the King is not righteousness. In the viewing of legal proceedings, justice must be given in every way. Because of the power of punishment, the wicked are afraid and do not cause distress to the group of virtuous people. 27. This is the state of legal affairs. He explains the necessity of punishment:

Arrogance increases greatly among the lowly if they are not disciplined. They must be restrained by a harsher method, by which others also become disciplined. 28. Among men of excellent character, arrogance does not grow, but among the lowly, pride and ego increase from a lack of discipline. For this reason, those lowly ones must be restrained with a cruel punishment, so that others do not follow their path. 28. Now, to establish what should be done regarding the crimes of the high-ranking and the low-ranking:

When a great man is seized along with his crimes, the common people follow suit...