KANIKA'S ADVICE TO DURYODHANA PART ii When a King is not in a position to punish the wicked he should act as though he is blind and deaf. At those times they should regard their bows to be made of some straw (dried grass). But even then they should always be alert like a group of deer which will be sleeping in the forests, alert to the danger surrounding them. When you are able to subdue or kill the foe either kill him openly or secretly depending upon the circumstances. At these times do not show him any mercy. A dead enemy will never frighten you. You should destroy your enemies root and branch. Then you should destroy his supporters and allies (Those who are associated to him through treaty). The supporters and allies can never exist without your principal enemy. Therefore if you eliminate your main adversary the position of the allies and his supporters becomes very weak. Go for the root. Because if the root of the tree is destroyed then its branches, leaves, twigs et al become useless. Bear your (carry your) enemy in your shoulders till the time comes for you to violently throw him down, break him into pieces like a jar made of ceramic. Show no mercy to your foes even if he addresses you most piteously. (Thiruvalluvar says in one of his couplets that even if your enemy comes to you with folded hands do not trust him. Because he might be concealing some weapon in his folded hands. I tried to get that couplet here. But could not locate it. The couplet starts with தொழுத கை உள்ளும் பகை...) Use every trick in the books like the sama, dhana, bhedha and danda to subdue your enemies. A KING GETS ADVICE AS THAT HE WANTS TO HEAR. THERE WAS A STILL GREAT VOTARY OF DHARMA IN THE COURT OF DHRITARASHTRA THE FATHER OF DURYODHANA IN THE FORM OF VIDURA. DURYODHANA TOOK THE ADVICE OF KANIKA INSTEAD OF THE VIDURA DUE TO HIS OWN BENT OF MIND. ADIVICES YOU GET OF ALL FORMS FROM ALL SIDES. IT IS UP TO YOU (US) TO TAKE THEM OR LEAVE THEM. NOTHING WRONG WITH ANY ADVICE BUT HOW WE ARE GOING TO TAKE THEM IS OUR OWN CHOICE.