[The observance of] one’s own dharma leads to heaven and eternal bliss. When dharma is transgressed, the resulting chaos leads to the extermination of this world. Whoever upholds his own dharma, adheres to the customs of the Aryas and follows the rules of the varnas and the stages of life, will find joy here and in the hereafter. For the world, when maintained in accordance with the Vedas, will ever prosper and not perish. Therefore, the king shall never allow the people to swerve from their dharma. {1.3.14-17}
