Mahabharata Universe (MBU)-I
Mahabharata Universe (MBU)-I
Notes on Ami Ganatra’s Mahabharata Unravelled-II (Jan 2024)
Bhishma’s Raj Dharma
After Yudhishthira’s coronation as King post the great battle of Mahabharata, Krishna asked him to gain knowledge from Pitamah Bhishma, who was awaiting Sun's uttarayan ascend to leave his body which lay on the fateful & painful bed of arrows, as he was the epitome of dharma, valour and someone who handled Hastinapur’s administration for longest. This knowledge, Krishna said, would be lost if Bhishma leaves his body and such knowledge should be preserved for benefits of kings and future generations alike. Around 14 pages of Ami’s book (pg. 21-35) contains the Raj Dharma lessons given by Bhishma to Yudhishthira, in Shanti Parva of Mahabharats epic, also its longest part, and I've pinned the whole wisdom into 27 points. May this serve as a guide to everyone who wants to know what a leader should or shouldn't be like. This would help us better understand our political scenario and make better assessment of our leaders, too. Huge thanks to Ami Ganatara for making this glorious wisdom easily accessible. Finally, I’ve something to understand about my favourite character in the Mahabharata- Devvrat Bhishma.
After poring over the various pointers mentioned in the book about all dharmas given by Bhishma for a king, I thought it would be helpful to categorise them succinctly. Here, I’ve curiously knitted more than 40 dharmas, given point-wise or in paragraphs, across 15 pages into 03 categorises of 07 dharmas each.
King’s People Dharma
Wellbeing and happiness of all his people. Especially looking after them who cannot provide for themselves. (Not doing this is the biggest sin.)
Never destroy the wealth of his people and ensure that whatever is promised is delivered to them sincerely and timely.
Respect and serve the elders and the learned of his kingdom. While meeting his people, he should keep a smile. The king should periodically organise and participate in religious activities.
Never take the wealth from honest people and must make dishonest pay. Should keep uncivilised and dishonest people at bay.
The learned and pious Brahmins engaged in austerities, Vedic learning and teaching should always be protected and respected by the king. But if they actively sabotage the kingdom and trouble the people, they must be punished and reined in. (A learned Brahmin should preferably be exiled rather than killed.)
Ensure that citizens move without any fear or danger like sons in their father’s home. Citizens should have no fear of robbers and antisocial elements and they also shouldn’t need to keep their possessions under wraps (or locks).
Ensure that all his ministers and officers are cared for suitably. Most importantly, the king must be consistent with them in public as well as private.
King’s Personal Dharma
King should not appear lazy to his people. Must try to remain active and follow the scriptures for proper conduct as a king.
Always strive to be industrious and enterprising while not leaving things to destiny. (Being industrious is most important for Bhishma as luck is crucial but indeterminable.)
Make periodical donations to worthy while keeping in mind his own material well-being.
The King should never blindly trust anyone, no matter how close someone is. Test the goodwill and loyalty of all people around him. Especially protect those who provide secret information about prevailing malpractices in kingdom and governance.
Much proximity to the king is misused by others. Therefore, a king must always maintain a sense of formality with those around him (cabinet/ officials.)
A king must give up all his indulgences and impulse actions arising out of passion or anger. However, he doesn’t have to give up on them completely. Key is to give up attachment, not things themselves.
Can seek material pleasures which are not against Dharma (prescribed by the law of the land and social norms.) Enjoy the company of women and appetising food (not unhealthy though) but not in excess.
King’s Strategic Dharma
The scriptures talk about six types of fortifications important to secure the king and the kingdom: i) desert ii) water iii) land iv) forests v) mountains vi) people. Out of these, people are most the most impregnable and enduring; therefore, a king must always be compassionate towards all his citizens but never be ever-forgiving.
Seven elements are pivotal to the kingdom: the king, ministers, treasury, forts, citizens, armed forces and allies. Anyone who seeks to harm or weaken these elements must be severely punished even if a friend or a guru. Even Devguru Brihaspati says that it is fine to punish even a teacher who has lost his sense of discrimination of right and wrong and loyalty towards the kingdom or its welfare.
Always have spies far and wide to give you potential to exploit your opponent's armour whether in peace or war.
A king must always strive to keep his treasury full. He must administer justice like Yama and procure and preserve wealth like Kuber.
Make alliances and march for wars against unjust enemies, both if necessary.
Ensure that projects started by the kingdom are completed timely.
Do not fight with your kinsmen.
“A king must take care of his people like a pregnant mother takes care of her unborn baby. A pregnant lady gives up even those things she likes immensely for the well-being of her unborn baby.”
This is indeed the best mental model for a king given in the form of such a potent analogy by Bhishma.
Kinds of indulgences and addictions:
There are a total 18 types of indulgences. Out of these 18, passion gives rise to 10 and anger gives rise to 08 indulgences. (Read with point 06 under ‘King’s Personal Dharma’)
Ten Types of Indulgences which arise out of passion (kama)
Hunting
Gambling
Sleeping during the day
Reviling others
Sexual excesses
Intoxication by drugs
Playing or listening to musical instruments
Singing or hearing songs
Dancing
Alcoholism
Eight types of indulgences which arise out of anger (krodha)
Backbiting
Reckless action
Rebelling without a cause
Jealousy
Resentment
Destroying someone’s wealth
Roughness in speech
Giving Intense punishment
Personal traits of a good king:
Courageous
Truthful
Compassionate
Composed
Control on thoughts and deliberations. (Keep them confidential on command.)
Industrious
Virtuous
Soft-natured
Righteous
Pleasing appearance
Resolute and straightforward
Exude royal glory and prosperity
A king should be like the sun of spring- not blazing hot and not too cold.
Traits required in ministers and officers:
Courageous
Loyal and honest
Incorruptible
Born in good families
Who keep good company
Possess self-respect
Courteous to others
Learned in scriptures and traditions
Adept in keeping an eye on enemies
More such valuable insights will be published from such a handy resource provided by Ami Ganatara. Stay tuned.