Shloka 22
Cāturāśramya-dharma—Marks of the Four Āśramas (चातुराश्रम्यधर्मः)
एतान्येवंप्रकाराणि विहितानि पुरानघ । सर्वलोकस्य कर्माणि कर्तव्यानीह पार्थिव
etāny evaṁprakārāṇi vihitāni purānagha | sarvalokasya karmāṇi kartavyānīha pārthiva || niṣpāpa nareśa |
Indra said: “O sinless one, these duties—of such kinds—were laid down long ago. Here in this world, O king, the actions and obligations of all people are to be performed accordingly. O blameless lord of men, even those who live by plunder should observe these ordinances in the proper manner.”
इन्द्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
Dharma is not optional or private: the duties appropriate to human life were established long ago and are binding on all. Even those inclined to wrongdoing are urged to conform to the ordained moral order.
Indra addresses a king, reminding him that the framework of prescribed duties for society is ancient and authoritative, and that the ruler should uphold and expect adherence to these duties across all groups.