Text 49] Bhisma’s Passing Away 509

Maharaja Yudhisthira followed these principles strictly, as it will be
seen from the next chapter. Not only did he follow the principles, but he
also got approval from his old uncle who was experienced in political
affairs, and that was also confirmed by Lord Krsna, the speaker of the
philosophy of Bhagavad-gita.

Maharaja Yudhisthira is the ideal monarch, and monarchy under a
trained king like Maharaja Yudhisthira is by far the most superior form of
government, superior to modern republics or governments of the people,
by the people. The mass of people, especialy in this age of Kali, are all
born sudras, basically low-born, ill-trained, unfortunate and badly
associated. Therefore, they themselves do not know the highest perfection-
al aim of life. Therefore, votes cast by them actually have no value, and
thus persons elected by such irresponsible votes cannot be responsible
representatives like Maharaja Yudhisthira.

Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports of the First Canto, Ninth Chapter,
of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, entitled “The Passing Away of Bhismadevra in
the Presence of Lord Krsna.”
