Date: June 16th 2008

From: ramgopal_94@yahoo.com
To: fhrs_usa@yahoogroups.com ,
Subject: Sarve Dharma Raj-dharma-pradhana
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008 5:58 pm
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Sarve Dharma Rajdharma-pradhana – Mahabharata

In search of answers to a Gandhian truth seeker, I had to turn the pages of the Mahabharata, Shanti-Parva, once again. I found numerous gems on Raj-dharma, which I think must be shared with my Hindu friends and teachers.

It may be recalled that Shrimad Bhagvad-gita is a dialogue between Arjun and Lord Krishna, before commencement of the Mahabharata war. Contrary to it, Shanti-parva is a dialogue between Yudhishthir on the one hand and his brothers, wife Draupadi, Lord Krishna and Bhishma pitamah on the other, after the war. Having won the great war, Yudhishthir was so full of remorse due to the unprecedented bloodshed that he decided to take Sanyas, instead of kingship. After prolonged persuasion of his brothers, Draupadi, Shri Krishna and Mahrishi Ved Vyas, Yudhishthir accepted the coronation. Even then, sensing that Yudhishthir could still go astray, Shri Krishna prevailed upon him to meet Bhishma Pitamah to learn lessons of good governance.

Here are a few gems from the mouth of Bhishma Pitamah –

O, King, just as the foot of an elephant covers every other foot, so does Rajdharma cover every aspect of Dharma, in all conditions, (chap.63/25).

Among all Dharmas, Rajdharma is supreme, as it provides nourishment to people of all Varnas (professions). Rajdharma encompasses all sacrifices. The sages, since ancient period, praise sacrifice as the best form of Dharma, (63/27).

The Sanatan Dharma got destroyed hundreds of time, but (each time) it was redeemed and spread again by Kshatra-dharma. In every age, Kshatra-dharma has to be active. Therefore, Kshatra-dharma is the best in the world, (64/26).

Sages praise sacrifice or renunciation, but the greatest sacrifice is that of the kings who lay down their body in fulfillment of their Raj-dharma, (65/3).

O, Yudhishthir! Whatever fruits are available to righteous persons after fulfilling obligations of all the four Ashramas, they are all available to those kings who perform Rajdharma selflessly, following the prescribed code of crime and punishment, and who treat their subjects even-handedly. Such kings get the highest position that may be available to a true sanyasin, (66/4-5).

On Republics

Honourable (chosen) citizens lay down righteous codes of conduct in the spirit of the Shastras. Providing suitable treatment to all and every one, they (Republics) make good progress, (107/17)
The distinguished (chosen) citizens punish even their sons and brothers if they do any wrong. They provide them good education and good training. After accomplishing their education and training, they are suitably honoured and given suitable postings. This way, the Republics make good progress, (107/18).

The heads, (ministers, officers), of the Republic should work in unison in the best interest of the Republic as a whole. If they are divided, they will form many antagonistic groups (parties). The result will be failure on every front and emergence of various evils. Well-wishers of the Republic should use their powers to crush leaders of separatist parties/groups, (107/25-26).

If the senior wise men ignore divisive elements, they result in disintegration and ultimate death of the Republic, (107/27).

I wonder, when Hindu Dharmacharyas, Swamis and Priests will take note of the lessons of Rajdharma and make them also part of their sermons.

Ram Bhai