4️⃣The Four expedients!


As flock of Vānar troops advanced, a tremendous clamor arose resembling a roar in ocean beating against shore. By that great tumult, entire Lankā with its ramparts, arches, hills, woods & forests began to tremble. Vānar army, guarded by Rām, Laxman & Sugriva became even more invincible than all the celestials & demons put together


Having thus ranged his forces to destroy demons, Rām, who knew about 4 expedients to be used against enemy (viz. conciliation, gift, sowing dissension & punishment employed in succession), took counsel again with his ministers & arrived at a decision. Calling to his mind duty of kings, Rām eager to undertake what was to be done next, in concurrence with Vibhishana, summoned Angad & said-Go on my behalf to Lankā, without fear & anxiety and approach Rāvan, the unfortunate demon devoid of sovereignty, who has lost his splendor because of his inclination to die & admonish him


Tell him-In his reckless arrogance, sages, celestials, celestial musicians & their wives, serpent-demons, yakshas and kings have been oppressed. From now on, that arrogance, born of boon he received from Brahma the Lord of creation, shall be subdued. I shall inflict a fitting penalty for his ruthless abduction of Sitā. I’m stationed at the gate of Lanka, with a rod of chastisement. Ask him to demonstrate the same courage & concur his magic employed in bearing Sitā away from me


If he doesn’t make an appeal to my clemency by returning Sitā, I shall make this world devoid of demons. He, without knowledge of self & having stupid followers around, cannot enjoy kingdom even for a moment more, by his unrighteousness. Otherwise, he should get ready for a battle by gathering courage & laying hold of his valor. Having been slain by my arrows in combat, he will be laid in peace. Even if he goes in 3 worlds in the form of a bird, he’ll not be alive


Hearing the words of Rām, Angad leapt into air like God of fire personified & marched ahead. Reaching Rāvan in an instant, who was sitting in the assembly hall with his ministers. Angad, wearing golden bracelets, descended close to the demon king & stood there like a flaming torch


In diplomacy, Sāma-conciliation/alliance, Dāma-compensation, Danda-force/punishment, Bheda-usage of logic/treachery/mind game, are the four expedients which can be applied in all situations in succession to solve a problem. It should be used taking into consideration the time, place & circumstances, and its careful observation. Everything possible should first be done to avoid conflict before going for an all-out war, which involves large scale destruction, both of people & resources. This also shows the merciful nature of the Supreme Lord, who even to his enemies offers a chance to rectify their mistakes


This applies well to business managers who by careful application of the 4 expedients can strengthen the team & also manage the affairs against their competitors


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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