Dasaratha had a couple of priests apart from the eight ministers. Some maintain that the two priests were also ministers, but it is not correct because elsewhere (1 .7 .9) the ministers are described as Prapta kalam ca te dandan dharayeyussutesvapi. They punished their own sons where needed which is not possible in the case of priests. They were knowledgeable yet modest and courteous.
They adopted the policy of sama, dama, danda and bheda which Kamandaka says were sanctioned by Rajaniti Sastra. They had received full education from good teachers although some commentators believe they imbibed only good qualities from their teachers. Every one had the intellectual capacity to decide all matters regarding treaty with foreign countries. There was abundant wealth, grains, servants, palanquins etc.
Vasishta was the chief priest. A person who has performed one’s upanayana samskara becomes his teacher. Thus Vasishta was Dasaratha’s teacher as well as priest.
The Ministers of Dasaratha 1.7.1-23
Dasaratha had a couple of priests apart from the eight ministers. Some maintain that the two priests were also ministers, but it is not correct because elsewhere (1 .7 .9) the ministers are described as Prapta kalam ca te dandan dharayeyussutesvapi. They punished their own sons where needed which is not possible in the case of priests. They were knowledgeable yet modest and courteous.
They adopted the policy of sama, dama, danda and bheda which Kamandaka says were sanctioned by Rajaniti Sastra. They had received full education from good teachers although some commentators believe they imbibed only good qualities from their teachers. Every one had the intellectual capacity to decide all matters regarding treaty with foreign countries. There was abundant wealth, grains, servants, palanquins etc.
Vasishta was the chief priest. A person who has performed one’s upanayana samskara becomes his teacher. Thus Vasishta was Dasaratha’s teacher as well as priest.