Shloka 35
Adhyāya 31: Rājasūya-samāgama — The Gathering of Kings and the Ordering of Hospitality
वरेणच्छन्दयामास त॑ नृपं स्विष्टकृत्तम: । अभयं च स जग्राह स्वसैन्ये वै महीपति:,वे उनकी अभीष्ट-सिद्धिमें सर्वोत्तम सहायक हो राजासे वर माँगनेका अनुरोध करने लगे। राजाने अपनी सेनाके प्रति अभयदान माँगा
vareṇacchandayāmāsa taṁ nṛpaṁ sviṣṭakṛttamaḥ | abhayaṁ ca sa jagrāha svasainye vai mahīpatiḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: O mais consumado realizador do sacrifício instou o rei a escolher uma dádiva. O soberano, pensando прежде de tudo na responsabilidade para com os que dele dependiam, pediu garantia de segurança para o seu próprio exército — buscando proteção, não ganho pessoal.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
A ruler’s ethical priority is the welfare and security of those under his protection. When offered personal advantage through a boon, the king chooses safety for his troops, reflecting dharma as guardianship rather than self-indulgence.
In the sacrificial/ritual setting, an exemplary sacrificer invites the king to select a boon. The king responds by requesting 'abhaya'—a guarantee of safety—for his own army.