बार्हस्पत्य सूत्र / अर्थशास्त्र (महर्षि बृहस्पति - प्राचीन दण्डनीति, राजधर्म एवं कूटनीति सटीक)

BRIHASPATI SŪTRA
Now the Brihaspati Sûtra.
Now Brihaspati,* the Preceptor, expounds to Indra
the Whole Substance of Policy :
I (PERSONAL CONDUCT)
1 Self-mastery is the quality of a king.
2 As minister he should appoint one master of
himself.
3 His sole science is the Administration of
Punishment [= Government].
4 Even right he should not practise when
disapproved by the world.
5 Should he practise it, it should be after
recommending it by persons of intelligence.
6 He is to be served by his like.
7 With women, children or the aged, he should
not discuss measures of right and policy.
8 He should not engage in magic shows
[indrajâla];
9 In incantations [mantras], however, and
festivities;
10 Also in counteracting diseases and poisonings.
11 Not smearing with ashes [like an ascetic].

*Concerning Brihaspati as founder of the Science of
Policy see the Introduction.
3 On the question of the king's sciences see
Arthashastra, c. 1.
6 On this question of choice of ministers etc. see
Arthashastra, cc. 4–5; also 80 infra.
10 On poison in the palace see Arthashastra, c. 17.