In the previous episode, we had witnessed the formal commencement of Bhishmachaarya’s discussion on the “Aapad Dharma” (Dharma during danger and critical times), and how a king should conduct himself during such crucial times. In this regard, we’ve seen yesterday that during an “Aapad-Kaalam”, certain actions of “Adharma” would be considered as “Dharma”, and vice-versa as well. For instance, if there is a dire requirement of human resources to fight a war, a king has every right to pull out citizens from every home to come into the battlefield. This is primarily done to protect the country from the rampaging enemy. If the householders aren’t willing to participate in the battle, the king has every right to beat them up and put them into the battlefield by force. This, on a normal given day might be “Adharma”, but during critical times, it is considered to be part of the king’s “Dharma”. Secondly, we’ve also seen that if a king has to make a choice between protecting himself as against protecting his “Antah-Puram” where his wives and children reside, the priority of the king should be in protecting himself rather than the latter.
As Bhishmachaarya explains this in an outwardly manner, Yudishtra is now interested in listening to this in an extensive detail. He asks Bhishmachaarya thus, “Oh Bhishmachaarya! You’ve outlined what is “Aapad-Dharma”, but I’ve to learn it in minute detail. First, tell me what are the several ways through which a king might get into trouble, and how to handle these troubles differently!” This is a very important question, and Bhishmachaarya is going to give a detailed explanation here. Bhishmachaarya commences thus, “Oh Yudishtra! There are several ways in which a king can get into trouble. First let me highlight them, and then tell how you can overcome each of the challenges in detail with some anecdotes! Oh Yudishtra! The first way through which a king can get into trouble is when the king loses all his wealth! In other words, a king might be in possession of huge sums of wealth, but due to some reason, he might become bankrupt. This is the first and the most important danger a king might face. Secondly, a king can get into trouble if his laziness starts to dominate. In other words, if the king is lazy, he has to be ready to compromise his kingdom and his subjects to his enemies very easily without even putting up a basic level of fight. Thirdly, a king might encounter trouble if he is going to keep encouraging his “Bandhus” (Friends / Relatives) for all the wrong reasons. In other words, giving undue respect and over-importance to our friends / relatives is definitely going to invite trouble. Of course, you should show compassion towards your “Bandhus”, but you should ensure that you aren’t going overboard!”
Saying thus, Bhishmachaarya continues further – “Oh Yudishtra! Fourthly, if one of your ministers (or several of them) are sitting by your side, but start favouring your enemy, then it spells trouble for you as a king. This is because all your “Raajya-Rahasyam” (Secrets of your administration) might be leaked to unwanted people outside, who can wreak havoc later on. Fifthly, if an enemy (or multiple enemies) are siphoning your kingdom on either side and taking away significant portions of it, then it spells serious trouble for you as a king! Sixithly, if your ministers are not united upon taking critical decisions and there is no consensus between them, this spells trouble. This is because, while taking decisions, all the ministers should be unanimous in their thought process, which would aid the king in making the right decisions. Else, if the ministers themselves are confused, what advice will they be able to render to the king? Hence, if ministers aren’t unanimous in their approach to resolve issues, it indicates serious trouble! Sevently, if a formidable enemy has completely invaded your kingdom and has devastated the entire place, how will you handle such a situation? Isn’t this a great trouble? Eightly, if a king gets into an accident of some sorts – How will he handle this situation and come out of it?”
These are eight ways through which a king might face trouble. This is an extremely important point that Bhishmachaarya and Yudishtra are discussing here, which is directly applicable to all of us as well in today’s context. If we have a closer look at all the above-mentioned eight points, we shall be able to easily relate each one of them to what is happening today! Of course, we shall have a detailed discussion on these eight points in our next episode with regards to today’s context, and with this, we shall move on with what Bhishmachaarya is going to explain with regards to handling each of the eight troublesome situations! Stay tuned for an important and interesting accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 