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LAWS OF MANU.
VI, 96.
96. He who has thus given up (the performance of) all rites, who is solely intent on his own (particular) object, (and) free from desires, destroys his guilt by his renunciation and obtains the highest
state.
97. Thus the fourfold holy law of Brahmanas, which after death (yields) imperishable rewards, has been declared to you; now learn the duty of kings.
CHAPTER VII.
1. I will declare the duties of kings, (and) show how a king should conduct himself, how he was created, and how (he can obtain) highest success.
2. A Kshatriya, who has received according to the rule the sacrament prescribed by the Veda, must duly protect this whole (world).
3. For, when these creatures, being without a king, through fear dispersed in all directions, the Lord created a king for the protection of this whole (creation),
4. Taking (for that purpose) eternal particles of Indra, of the Wind, of Yama, of the Sun, of Fire, of Varuna, of the Moon, and of the Lord of wealth (Kubera).
Gov., Nâr., Nand., Râgh., and K. read abhyasyan, 'studying the Veda,' and the same reading is mentioned by Medh. as a var. lect.
96. His own object,' i. e. final liberation.'
97. According to Medh. the word 'Brâhmana' is not intended to exclude other Aryans; but according to Gov., Kull., and Nâr. it is meant to prescribe that asceticism is permissible for Brâhmanas alone.
VII. 2. 'The sacrament,' i. e. ' the initiation' (Medh., Gov., Nâr., Kull.), or the initiation and the rest' (Râgh.), or the sacrament of the coronation' (Nand.). The last opinion seems the correct one.
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