In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya concluding the discussion on the thirty-six important qualities of a leader, which is a part of the broader “Raaja-Dharma” accord that he is giving to Yudishtra. In line with this, we’ve witnessed the last two qualities of a leader – Firstly Bhishmachaarya explains that killing a designated enemy in a war is nothing to brood over. In fact, by doing so, a king performs his “Dharma” by protecting his people from the designated enemy. This is where Yudishtra was caught in two minds for all this while. He was feeling bad after killing Duryodhana and Co. during the war at Kurukshetra, and Bhishmachaarya touched this sensitive spot of Yudishtra’s. Secondly, Bhishmachaarya explains where we should show our aggression and where we should not. If a person is our well-wisher, it is not advisable to show any kind of aggression towards them. However, this concept is not applicable with those who are detrimental to us. With such people, being passive is the greatest mistake that a leader would make. Hence, “Controlled Aggression” is one of the most important qualities that a leader can have, in order to become successful.
Explaining all these qualities thus, Bhishmachaarya concludes this discussion – “Oh Yudishtra! For a king to be successful, these thirty-six qualities are paramount and you should be an epitome of all of them!” Saying thus, we come to the end of this discussion, and in the next “Adhyaayam”, we are going to witness a very important concept – The “Aapath-Dharmam”. This simply translates to “Dharma” during emergency / catastrophic situations. This is going to be a very important discussion – Not only in the context of Yudishtra and Bhishmachaarya, but also for all of us who are aspiring for success in our professional and personal lives. Commencing this discussion thus, Yudishtra asks an important question to Bhishmachaarya thus, “Oh Bhishmachaarya! All whatever you’ve explained till now makes sense to me. But I have a more fundamental question to ask here – The entire confusion stems from who is a real friend and who is a real enemy. You’ve mentioned as part of the last two qualities of leadership that we’ve to show aggression towards those who are designated enemies. However, how do we understand that this person is our designated enemy? What are the important qualities / characteristics of a real friend (well-wisher) and an enemy? Please explain in detail!”
As Yudishtra asks thus, Bhishmachaarya heaves a sigh of relief. He understands that Yudishtra has now changed his mind from running away to ruling the kingdom. This itself is a great achievement, given the previous situation that Yudishtra wanted to leave off everything and go to the forest for performing penance. This is something that alarmed Bhagawan Krishna and He immediately brought Yudisthra to Bhishmachaarya. We’ve witnessed all these during our earlier episodes. Now as Yudishtra asks this, Bhishmachaarya replies back – “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve asked a very important question here. You’ve to understand one thing clearly – There is none in this world who can be a permanent friend and there can be none in this world who can be a permanent enemy! People who are friends today, might become your bitter enemies later on. Also, the vice-versa is true as well – People who are bitter enemies today, might become our good friends tomorrow! It all depends on the situation and time at which we are in at that point in time! Hence, there is nothing called “real friendship” and “real enmity”!
This is an extremely important point that Bhishmachaarya has started a discussion upon! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 