In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Vidura’s important accord on how King Dhritarashtra should act immediately if he has to tidy up the brewing situation. He narrates the key difference between being cowardly and being patient. With whatever happened so far at Hastinapura, Vidura indirectly points out to King Dhritarashtra that postponing his decision on and on is only seen as exhibiting a cowardly attitude, rather than being patient. In certain situations, a righteous king should be able to make quick decisions and in certain other situations, a king should not! This is the difference that Vidura is trying to bring out to King Dhritarashtra. At a dire situation when Draupati was being insulted in public, King Dhritarashtra should have acted swiftly and stopped the nonsense from happening any further. However, in the pretext of being “patient”, King Dhritarashtra kept mum, which shows how cowardly he is!
Moving on further, Vidura continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Just like how we have different “Yogas” in spirituality like “Karma Yoga, Gnyaana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga”, in Raaja Dharma too, there are different states such as “Saama”, “Dhaana”, “Bedha” and “Dhanda”. A king should not resort straightaway to the “Dhanda-Ubaayam”, which means giving punishments to people! The first methodology to handle people should always be “Saama-Ubaayam”, which means, “peace-making”. We shall always negotiate peacefully with people to resolve problems, isn’t it? If however this method doesn’t work, you may adopt the “Dhaana-Ubaayam”, which means, giving something in exchange of something else. If this also doesn’t work, you may opt for “Bhedha-Ubaayam”, which means, wantedly creating conflicts between people, thereby, trying to find a mid-way to resolve a problem. Finally, if none of the above-mentioned methods work, only then the king should resort to giving harsh punishments to people! Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please understand one thing very clearly here – You should know when to use which “Ubaayam” (Method). You should know how to exhibit patience, but you shouldn’t become a coward. However, at certain points, you should know to punish people for their misdeeds, however, you should not become a dictator! This is the thin line of difference that you’ve to understand as a king!”
Vidura continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Let me explain to you as to who is a righteous king – A righteous king is someone who has his full focus and interest on his people and the kingdom. A righteous king should be ready to give his life to protect his people at any point of time. A righteous king should also be very interested in filling up his coffers with precious material, not for his own personal benefit, but for the benefit of his people! A righteous king should be shrewd enough to maintain his wealth properly with all the requisite accounts. The king should know exactly from where the wealth is coming and where the wealth is going out. A king should know where to invest his wealth, so that he can create further wealth, which can in turn be used for the welfare of his people. While making investments, a king should be very selfless in nature!”
Now this is a very important point that Vidura is highlighting here – In today’s context, are we seeing such behaviour from our crooked politicians? Every passing day we’re witnessing scam after scam wherein politicians are seen amassing crores and crores of money in various forms! Whenever we’re in administration or leadership positions, be it in an organisation or for the country, the welfare of our people should always be our first priority, rather than our own! If we’re following this, it implies that we’re following the path of “Righteousness” (Dharma) and this is exactly what Vidura is explaining here! So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 