Shloka 12
तापती–संवरणोपाख्यानम्
The Tapatī–Saṃvaraṇa Episode: Meaning of “Tāpatya”
राजानं प्रथम विन्देत् ततो भार्या ततो धनम् | त्रयस्य संचयेनास्य ज्ञातीन् पुत्रांश्व तारयेत्,नीति कहती है, पहले अच्छे राजाको प्राप्त करे। उसके बाद पत्नीकी और फिर धनकी उपलब्धि करे। इन तीनोंके संग्रहद्वारा अपने जाति-भाइयों तथा पुत्रोंकी संकटसे बचाये
rājānaṃ prathamaṃ vindet tato bhāryā tato dhanam | trayasya saṃcayenāsya jñātīn putrāṃś ca tārayet ||
Dijo el brāhmaṇa: «Primero debe uno asegurarse un rey digno (esto es, buen gobierno y amparo); después, una esposa (la vida doméstica ordenada); y luego, la riqueza. Reuniendo estas tres cosas, debe proteger y hacer pasar a salvo a sus parientes y a sus hijos del infortunio».
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse presents a pragmatic dharma-oriented hierarchy: secure good rulership/protection first, then establish the lawful household through marriage, and then pursue wealth. These supports enable one to protect and sustain one’s family line and kin in times of crisis.
A brāhmaṇa offers counsel framed as nīti (practical ethical instruction), advising what should be sought in what order so that a person can uphold responsibilities toward relatives and children.