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## Chapter 316 of the Dasha Shruta Skandha Sutra
This Sutra also describes the act of betrayal of trust. The leader of a nation, the protector of the people, the leader of merchants who guides them on the right path, and the wealthy merchant adorned with the insignia of the deity - these three individuals are highly respected. Many people rely on them and live their lives under their protection. Whoever kills any of these individuals falls into the bondage of Maha-Mohaniya Karma. Because their destruction leads to the loss of livelihood for many dependents, who become destitute and suffer greatly, falling into various other troubles. Their cries of sorrow fall upon the perpetrator, and as a result, they are bound by the aforementioned Karma.
Now, the author of the Sutra describes the subject of the seventeenth verse:
**Verse 17:**
*Bahujanasse yaaram diiv-taanam cha paaninam. Eyarisan naram hanta mahamoham pakuvvai.*
*Bahujanasya netaram dvip-tranam cha praninam. Etadrisham naram hatva mahamoham prakurute.*
**Translation:**
He who kills the leader of many people, the protector of beings like an island, and such a man, incurs Maha-Mohaniya Karma.
**Explanation of the words:**
*Bahujanasse* - of many people
*Neeyaram* - leader
*Cha* - and
*Paaninam* - of beings
*Diiv-taanam* - protector like an island
*Eyaris* - such
*Naram* - man
*Hanta* - killer
*Mahamoham* - Maha-Mohaniya Karma
*Pakuvvai* - acquires
**Meaning:**
The killer of the leader of many people, the protector of beings like an island, and other such men, acquires Maha-Mohaniya Karma.
**Commentary:**
This Sutra describes the Maha-Mohaniya Karma generated by violence against a benefactor. Just as an island protects beings from the sea, so too does one who protects beings in distress, or who, like an island, illuminates those wandering in the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge. Whoever harms such a person falls into the bondage of Maha-Mohaniya Karma. In the world, benevolent beings are always ready to help others in distress. For example, great men like Ganadhara endured many hardships themselves to preach for the benefit of the people.