Upon chastisement rests the heaven that men desire, and upon it rests this world also. There, where foe-destroying chastisement is well applied, no sin, no deception, and no wickedness is to be seen. Men that are fortunate, living with their dear wives and children, eat good food, wear excellent clothes, and cheerfully acquire virtue. Behold, therefore, the importance of chastisement. The king is indeed the protector of the world.
All creatures rest upon righteousness.
Righteousness, in its turn, rests upon the king. When sinfulness is not restrained, righteous behaviour comes to an end and unrighteous behaviour increases greatly. When sinfulness is not restrained, no one can, according to the rights of property as laid down in the scriptures, say, 'This thing is mine and this is not mine,' When sinfulness prevails in the world, men cannot own and enjoy their own wives and animals and fields and houses. The deities receive no worship, the Pitris no offerings in Sraddhas, and guests no hospitality, when sinfulness is not restrained. The minds of men become weak and confounded like those persons wounded with weapons, when sinfulness is not restrained.