Yoga-yatra Commentary

When obstacles have been pacified, success follows; thereafter, the subsequent rites are performed. Alternatively, the work may be done during the transition between two lunar mansions Nakshatras or two auspicious moments Muhurtas. Regarding this, the Jyotish-samhita (Compendium of Astrology) states that there are no specific merits mentioned there. For example: the three "Hand" stars (Hasta), the "Lord of Gods" (Jyeshtha), the "Head" (Mrigashira), the three "Hearing" stars (Shravana), and the "Eastern" ones (Purva-phalgunis) are prescribed for the ritual of tonsure Kshauram for men. Just as these are prescribed in the scriptures, the Lord of the Stars (the Moon) should be appropriately positioned. Whenever the time for tonsure is auspicious, the subsequent rites should be performed. The auspicious moments Muhurtas are also stated:

The fifteenth part of the night is known as a Muhurta by those who know the principles and are skilled in using shadow-clocks Chhaya-yantra. Now he describes the rules for initiation into tonsure: one should avoid the seventh, fifth, and third stars from the birth star. Specifically, the seventh is "Destruction" Naidhana, the fifth is "Counter-agent" Pratyari, the third is "Calamity" Vipatkara, and the "Eastern" refers to the first birth star. Avoiding these, one should perform the work during stars that bring "Wealth" Sampat, "Success" Sadhaka, "Peace" Kshema, or "Friendship" Maitra. This should not be done at the time of a journey Yatra or during war.

Next, he praises the King who remains established in proper conduct Achara:
The King established in conduct enjoys the earth bounded by the oceans for a long time, having uprooted his enemies. Conduct during a journey is his duty; through increase of merit and decrease of demerit, he enjoys pleasures even after the body perishes. (35)
"Established in conduct" means he remains in the conduct as prescribed. He enjoys the "earth" original: dharinim which is "bounded by the oceans" original: sagarotau for a "long time." What kind of king? One who has "uprooted his enemies," meaning his foes have been pulled out by the roots. In such a king, there is an "increase of merit" original: punyasya vriddhih. Because of this virtue, he "enjoys pleasures even after the body perishes," meaning after death. (35)

Thus ends the Second Chapter, titled "Chapter on Conduct" Acharadhyaya, in the Exposition of the Yoga-yatra composed by the venerable Bhattotpala. (2)

Now the "Chapter on Those to be Attacked" Abhiyojyadhyaya is explained. First, he describes the characteristics of one who should be attacked:
A king, endowed with the proper qualities, should attack another king who is found to be afflicted by calamities or whose royal qualities have declined, after assessing the strength of the country. (1)
A "King" original: nripena who is "endowed with qualities" should attack. Another king is "to be attacked" Abhiyojya when he is "situated in the loss of royal qualities," meaning his virtues have been destroyed. Alternatively, a king should attack after finding the other's country "afflicted" original: upahata. What kind of attack? One that is "free from disturbances" original: nirupadrutah. (1)

Furthermore, he describes how to recognize when the strength of a country is afflicted:
Where there is an abundance of mosquitoes and lice, where the land is filled with flies, where the sky is cloudless yet dark with dust, where there are winds and heat, and where there are showers of flesh and blood—such a king is weak and should be marched against. (2)
Whosoever's kingdom is like this, he should be attacked by another king. "Abundance of mosquitoes and lice" means they are found in great numbers. "Filled with flies" original: mattikabhih refers to the land being covered by them. "Cloudless yet dark" refers to the sky being obscured by the falling of dust. Or if there is a "shower of flesh and blood," or a "shower of creatures" like mice falling from the sky. Or if the "elephants" Karila, "horses" Turaga, and "men" Nara are "dejected" original: dinah in their hearts. (2)

He says something else:
In whose army the female jackals howl harshly, where the scent of the dead prevails, where there is no affection for the commander, and where the people cry out "Alas, there is no refuge!"—that king is fit to be attacked. (3)
In whose king's army the "female jackals" original: shiva and other scavengers are seen howling... the text breaks off near the fold? ...