Manusmriti: The Laws of Manu

11. He, in whose favor resides Padma, the goddess of fortune, in whose valor dwells victory, in whose anger abides death, is formed of the luster of all (gods).

12. The (man), who in his exceeding folly hates him, will doubtlessly persh; for the king quickly makes up his mind to destroy such (a man).

13. Let no (man), therefore, transgress that law which favorites, nor (his orders) which inflict pain on those in disfavor.

14. For the (king's) sake the Lord formerly created his own son, Punishment, the protector of all creatures, (an incarnation of) the law, formed of Brahman's glory.

15. Through fear of him all created beings, both the immovable and the movable, al- low themselves to be enjoyed and swerve not from their duties.

16. Having fully considered the time and the place (of the fiancé), the strength and the knowledge (of the finder), let him justly inflict that (punishment) on men who act unjustly.

17. Punishment is (in reality) the king (and) the male, that the manager of flairs, that the ruler, and that is called the surety for the four orders' obedience to the law.

18. Punishment alone governs all created beings, punishment alone protects them, punishment watches over them while they sleep; the wise declare punishment (to be identical with) the law.

19. If (punishment) is properly inflicted after (due) consideration, it makes all people happy; but inflicted without consideration, it destroys everything.

20. If the king did not, without tiring, inflict punishment on those worthy to be punished, the stronger would roast the weaker, like fish on a spit;

[ Manusmriti ] [ Up ] [ Next ]