Sutra 6

Devanagari script

क्षत्रियस्याध्ययनं यजनं दानं शस्त्राजीवो भूतरक्षणं च ॥ कZ_०१.३.०६ ॥

Transliteration

kṣatriyasyādhyayanaṃ yajanaṃ dānaṃ śastrājīvo bhūtarakṣaṇaṃ ca

Translation

สวธรรมของกษัตริย์คือ—ศึกษาเล่าเรียน, ประกอบยัญ, ให้ทาน, เลี้ยงชีพด้วยอาวุธ (อาชีพทหาร), และคุ้มครองสรรพชีวิต/ราษฎร

Word by Word

क्षत्रियस्यof the Kshatriya (warrior/ruling class)

अध्ययनम्study (learning/recitation)

यजनम्sacrificing; performing sacrifices

दानम्giving; charity

शस्त्राजीवःlivelihood by weapons; profession of arms

भूतरक्षणम्protection of beings (subjects/people)

चand

Entities Mentioned

kṣatriya

śastra (arms)

bhūta (living beings/subjects)

FAQs

What is the strategic objective (Artha) of this verse?

To define the Kshatriya’s state-serving competencies: knowledge for decision-making, ritual for legitimacy, giving for loyalty and stability, armed livelihood for credible coercive power, and protection for public security—together sustaining the state’s order and prosperity.

How does this apply to modern governance?

It maps to modern state functions: professional education for leaders, legitimacy-building institutions, welfare and targeted public spending, a capable defense and policing apparatus, and a core duty to protect citizens—integrating security with public trust.

What is the specific duty of the ruler/official mentioned?

The duty is to combine learning and public legitimacy with material support and disciplined force, ultimately prioritizing protection of the population as a central responsibility of political authority.