In the ancient times, wisdom was imparted not only through lofty counsel but also through the subtle arts of daily life. It was taught that bathing with water scented by blue lotus, blended with half as much valerian and musk, and enriched with oil, would yield a fragrance adorned with saffron. When this mixture was joined by half as much tagara, it would take on the sweet aroma of jasmine flowers; and with the addition of vakula blossoms, it would gain a similarly delightful scent. Further, by adding madder, tagara, colā, cinnamon bark, vyāghranakha, nakha, and gandhapatra, the perfumed oil became auspicious and pleasing. Sesame oil, pressed and infused with a profusion of flowers, would certainly acquire a fragrant essence. For the freshness of the mouth, cardamom, clove, kakkola, nutmeg, long pepper, and the leaves of jātī were each used independently, bestowing sweetness and aroma. Camphor, saffron, musk, deer musk, hareṇuka, kakkola, cardamom, clove, and the fruit of jātī were also cherished for this purpose. Cinnamon leaf, cyperus root, musta, climbing creeper, kastūrikā, the thorns of clove, and the leaves and fruit of jātī—when these fragrant substances were placed in the mouth, they were said to destroy diseases of the mouth. Areca nut, when thoroughly washed with water from five kinds of leaves and perfumed with these ingredients, became a mouth freshener. Bitter toothsticks, soaked for three days in cow’s urine and prepared in the same manner as areca nut, would also impart fragrance to the mouth. Equal portions of cinnamon and pathyā, mixed with half as much śaśibhāga, and an equal measure of betel leaf, made a delightful mouth perfume. Thus, it was advised that a king should always protect women, yet never place complete trust in them, especially concerning matters of their sons and mothers. Then, Puṣkara spoke of the king’s duties regarding his heir: the ruler must ensure the prince’s protection and instruct him in the scriptures of dharma, artha, and kāma, as well as the science of archery. The prince should be taught the arts only by trustworthy teachers, never by those who are false or flatterers, and guardians should be appointed under the pretense of bodily protection. The prince should be kept away from the company of the angry, greedy, or arrogant. If he is virtuous but difficult to control, he should be bound with comforts. The disciplined prince should be given charge of offices, and the king himself should avoid hunting, drinking, gambling, and any actions that might destroy the kingdom. He must also refrain from sleeping during the day, wandering aimlessly, harsh speech, slander, cruel punishments, and misuse of wealth. The destruction of fortifications, neglect of strongholds, misuse of wealth, and disorder are known to lead to the ruin of prosperity. Charity must be given at the right place and time, to worthy recipients, and not for selfish reasons; otherwise, it becomes corrupt and leads to unrighteous conduct. The king should abandon desire, anger, intoxication, pride, greed, and arrogance. After mastering his servants, he should win over the citizens and country people. He should first conquer external enemies, then internal ones, and the three kinds of adversaries. Elders, relatives, and artificial kin should be honored as before. Among friends, there are three kinds: the friend of one’s father or grandfather, a companion or border chief—even an enemy or artificial friend. These all play their part in the king’s circle. The kingdom itself is composed of seven limbs: the king, his ministers, the country, the fortress, the treasury, the army, and the ally. The king is the root of this structure and must be safeguarded, for the well-being of the kingdom depends on him. Anyone who betrays these limbs should be dealt with, whether with harshness or gentleness, as the situation demands. The king should not allow himself to be mocked by his servants, for such scorn destroys his joy and reputation. To win the hearts of the people, he should cultivate the habit of giving, speak with a gentle smile, and act to delight his subjects. A king who is slow to act will see his work destroyed; passion, arrogance, pride, enmity, and evil deeds will also bring ruin to his actions. When unpleasant matters must be spoken, slowness is praised, and the king should keep his counsel secret, for secrecy protects his plans from disaster. Through appearances, gestures, actions, and speech, and by observing changes in the eyes and face, one may discern what is hidden within, but the king should neither consult alone nor deliberate with too many. He may consult with many if he wishes, but should consider each counsel separately, and even among ministers, a minister should not reveal the counsel to others. Trust is always found somewhere among men, but the final decision regarding counsel should rest with one wise person. A king perishes through lack of discipline but maintains his kingdom through discipline. He should learn the triple knowledge from the three Vedas and the eternal science of punishment. He must also master the science of inquiry, the knowledge of wealth, and the means of livelihood, for one who has conquered his senses is able to keep his subjects under control. All the gods and twice-born should be honored, and gifts made to them, for such gifts are an inexhaustible treasure. Not turning back in battle, protecting the people, and giving gifts to Brahmins—these are the highest good for a king. He should also provide for the welfare of the destitute, the helpless, the elderly, and widowed women. The king must uphold the established order of classes and stages of life and honor ascetics, though he should not trust everyone; ascetics, however, may be trusted. Trust should be given only with a reason grounded in the highest reality. He should consider matters with the discernment of a crane and act with the courage of a lion. He should seize opportunities like a wolf, withdraw like a hare, and strike firmly like a boar. Thus does the wise king rule, guided by fragrance and wisdom, discipline and compassion, for the welfare of his people and the enduring prosperity of his realm.