The Power to lead with responsibility!

Maharaj Yudhisthira asked Bhisma: Dear Grandfather, how is it that the king became known as nara-deva (earthly god)?


In reply Bhima related the following conversation that took place long ago between Vasumän, the King of Kosala, and Brhaspati. After circumambulating Brhaspati and bowing down before him, Vasumãn inquired: O Preceptor of the demigods, by what means can human society become very prosperous and happy?

Brhaspati replied: The root of the performance of all kinds of duties is the king. It is only due to fear of the king that the citizens do not devour one another. In the animal kingdom it is seen that the different species eat one another, according to their natural inclinations. They fight with each other over food and females simply on the basis of brute strength. Similarly, if it were not restrained by a king, human society would be dominated by the strong, because the more powerful would take by force whatever they liked from the weak and kill them if they offered resistance. Thus, there would be no fixed possessions or wives. Just as animals gratify their urges without considering the good and bad effects of their actions, wicked persons act in the same way and thus destroy those who are righteous.

Without the strong arm of a king, human culture would cease so that life would become barbaric & fearful, like that of the animals. Considering this, who would fail to give the highest respect and worship to his king? It is because of him alone that people can live happily, and in his absence everything good becomes disrupted

The first duty of a king is to conquer his own self, for without doing so there is no scope for his conquering others. The king should exact as taxes from the citizens 1/6th of their income as compensation for the expenditures incurred while protecting them. When a king rules according to the science of danda-niti, Satya-yuga automatically becomes manifest. Because of their king's influence, the hearts of the citizens become fixed upon virtue, making their minds and voices always decorated with symptoms of happiness. Diseases disappear and man's duration of life increases

The earth yields crop without being tilled, herbs and plants become very luxuriant and full of potency, and the six seasons become exceedingly delightful to the senses. Because everyone acquires the objects of desire very easily, no one is a miser. When a king utilizes 3/4th of the science of chastisement, Tretã-yuga is ushered in, and when he puts into practice ½ , Dwapara-yuga manifests. However, when a king abandons the science of chastisement altogether & oppresses the citizens by evil means, it becomes Kali-yuga

One should never employ greedy, foolish, unskilled, lusty or envious persons to execute one's work. If such persons are invested with the king's authority for executing state business, they will oppress the people with their mischievous plans. Good men become very devoted to a king who properly protects them and who is liberal, steady in his observance of virtue, always vigilant, and freed from lust and malice. In this regard, a king should imitate the activities of the flower cultivator and not the manufacturer of charcoal

Societies are free and liberated not when all are free to do whatever they feel like unencumbered by any responsibility. However, feeling-driven actions can be binding, not liberating, because our feelings are often fickle and unreliable. For example, if someone feels like drinking and they give in to that feeling, they may drink excessively and end up addicted

Those who don’t sacrifice for a higher cause live in vain, dissipating their life in gratifying petty sensual desires. In contrast, a sense of responsibility can empower us. For example, kids may feel like playing all the time. But when they have a sense of responsibility to their parents, they will contemplate that their parents are working hard to pay for their education. And that contemplation will inspire them to study diligently, thereby freeing them to create a good career

The King/leader/mentor has the highest responsibility setting aside his personal feelings but abiding by sastric injunctions

Thoughts? #gameoflife

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