Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-18
Release
This is the fifth virtue of a Kshatriya, which surpasses the first four virtues, as devotion surpasses the four principal ends of human life. When a tree bears fruits and flowers, it drops them down, the bed of the lotus plants generously spreads out fragrance, and the moonlight can be enjoyed by everyone to his heart’s content. In the same way, he gives gifts to those who beg for them, according to their wishes. This is the sixth virtue known as generosity. To become the only center from which flows authority (866-870) and to protect the subjects and enjoy life after keeping them contented, in the way as one nourishes one’s organs and makes them robust enough to render service to oneself, is known as rulership. This power of governance, which is the prince among the virtues of a warrior, is the seventh virtue. As the sky looks resplendent with the seven sages, so these seven virtues beginning with heroism adorn a warrior. The actions which are endowed with these seven virtues, are the natural qualities of a Kshatriya (871-875). Such a person is not only a warrior, but is the Meru mountain of gold, which supports seven heavens in the form of the seven virtues. He is like the earth surrounded by the seven sees or like the splendid holy Ganges formed of seven currents in the form of these seven virtues. But enough of this detailed description; actions which are endowed with these seven virtues, are natural to the warrior class. I shall now tell you duties proper to the Vaishya caste. |
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