Episode # 1344 – “Why is it impossible to find a bamboo branch floating in your waters?” Samudra-Raja asks Mother Ganga!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya’s continuation with his accord on “Raaja-Dharma” to Yudishtra wherein he is highlighting an important point – A leader should always analyze the strengths and weaknesses of an opponent before entering into an attack mode. If the enemy however is a known entity, the leader can think of taking the lead in terms of attacking. However, this also has to be done with a lot of caution. But, when the enemy is a stranger, it is not advisable to go for the kill directly. It is better to wait, analyze and then hit back. Even today, we talk about this a lot in Management and Leadership contexts. In the context of “Strategic Management”, we have two types of strategies through which we can take on a competitor in a market – The “Lag” strategy and the “Lead” strategy. While the “Lag” strategy is the one wherein the company waits for the other competitors in the market to make the “first move”, the “Lead” strategy entails the company to go aggressive and garner the “first mover advantage”. While this might sound very interesting and proactive, this should be done with a great caution, because the company is venturing into untested and unexplored territory.  This might be advantageous of course, because we can capture the market big time, however, there is also a potential danger to it. This is why we say that while adopting the “Lead strategy”, companies have to study the market very carefully before venturing in. 

Thus, we can see how Bhishmachaarya’s words 5000 years ago are still applicable in modern day management as well. Continuing with this point further, Bhishmachaarya is now going to narrate yet another beautiful story to highlight it more. Till now we’ve seen two stories back to back – the one involving the “Dharmatma fox” to emphasize the point on “Trust”, the second one being that of the camel, to emphasize the point on “Performing our duties properly without fail”, and now this one. Once upon a time, there was an interesting conversation between “Samudra Raaja” (King of all the Oceans) and River Ganga. As we know, Mother Ganga, along with all the other rivers empty themselves into the Bay of Bengal after running for several hundreds / thousands of kilometers from the mountains. As Mother Ganga arrives in the Bay of Bengal one day, “Samudra Raaja” asks an important question to her thus, “Oh Mother Ganga! You are flowing with a great force, which can even uproot strong trees like the banyan tree, coconut tree, etc. as you descend down. You are also known to break open mountain rocks and bring them along with you. Given the fact that you’re blessed with enormous strength, I’m not understanding one thing – Why aren’t you bringing bamboo sticks along with you? Till now I’ve seen branches of numerous trees, but till date I’ve never seen you carrying a bamboo branch or a stick. Why is that so?” 

As Samudra Raaja asks thus, Mother Ganga replies back with a very important answer – “Oh Samudra Raaja! You’ve asked an important question here. All those trees which stand with a lot of rigidity against my flow, will be uprooted by me very easily. However, the bamboo tree is not like this. Upon seeing me flowing through, the bamboo tree bows down in front of me with a lot of respect, and hence, I’m not having the heart to break and bring it along with me to the ocean. In other words, when those with a lot of rigidity and with no flexibility and respect come in front of me, I ensure that I uproot them then and there and thrash them along my way brutally. However, the ones which bow down to me with respect, melt my heart. I have great respect towards them, and hence, I never disturb them, even though my flow is enormous. Oh Samudra-Raaja! The bamboo tree is of the second variety! During my earlier days, I’ve tried my best to bring the bamboo tree along. However, every time I make an attempt to uproot it, the bamboo tree bends forward to accommodate me. I was impressed by this behaviour of the bamboo tree every time, and hence decided to return my respect back to it. This is the reason you will never find a bamboo tree coming along with my flow, while you will find several other tree branches in me!” 

This is a very important answer which Mother Ganga is giving here. So for today, let us ponder over this story and try to grasp the deeper meaning behind this. We shall discuss this further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

Episode # 1343 – “You should know where to bend & where not to!” – Bhishmachaarya advises Yudishtra!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an important accord given by Bhishmachaarya in the form of an insightful story, pertaining to the essence of performing our “Karma” without fail. In this regard, Bhishmachaarya’s story of the camel with a long neck serves as a great eye-opener on why we should not allow our laziness to take over, which prevents us from performing our “Karma” every day. As we’ve witnessed, the camel with an “ultra-long” neck stretching for around a 1000 kilometers, tries obtaining its food by extending its neck into a tunnel. The camel becomes ultra-lazy by not willing to move an inch from its sitting place and only extends its neck everywhere whenever it needed food and water. When the neck of the camel goes into a tunnel, a group of foxes decide that this “neck” should be their prey for the day. Hence, they start biting the neck really hard. Unable to realize that someone is biting its neck, the camel is unable to react on time, and hence, had to sacrifice its life due to its laziness. Had the camel been a bit more active, such a disaster could have been prevented. 

This is the same problem with many of us too. For instance, even at home, if we’ve to take something from a top shelf in our wardrobe, rather than pulling a chair / stool and climbing up on it to take it, we try to stretch our hands and legs beyond permissible limits, which might result in cramps and sometimes fracture too! If we would have pulled a chair and got on top of it to reach the top shelf of the wardrobe, things would have been easier! However, due to our laziness, we end up stretching awkwardly, which might result in unwanted physical ailments! In similar lines, I’ve seen people doing this – If something falls on the floor, rather than bending down and taking it by our hands, we tend to use our feet to take it! This is done in order to prevent our body from “bending” forward! In many occasions, this act of ours is seen as highly disrespectful! For instance, if a handkerchief or if a pen / pencil falls down on the floor, is it respectful to lift them by our feet? Pens / pencils are considered to be divine objects of Goddess Saraswati, aren’t they? Can we disrespect them by taking them with our feet? This is done because of our sheer laziness at that particular moment, by not bending down! These might be small things, but small things in life make a lot of difference. As ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma”, we should spend a thought on such things. 

In similar lines, if we’ve to get up from our chair and keep something on a shelf, many times we hesitate doing it! Rather, we continue sitting in our chairs and tend to throw things towards the shelf. All these are unwarranted behaviors and we should try our best to get over them. Moving further from this point thus, Bhishmachaarya explains the next point – “Oh Yudishtra! If an enemy is coming to attack you, please understand that you should refrain from starting an attack immediately upon him. Initially you should sharpen your observation skills, analyze the person, understand his strengths and weaknesses, and then commence your attack. Of course you can immediately start attacking the enemy, if he is a known person to you. Whereas, if the enemy is a stranger and you’ve never encountered him earlier, you need to make your moves very carefully. Without knowing the strengths of the enemy, if you start attacking, the probability is very high that you will end up on the losing side!” 

Saying thus, Bhishmachaarya gives a beautiful analogy to highlight this point. He says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! If you’re standing on a beach amidst a lot of waves / tides, you should understand where you’ve to bend down and where you’ve to stand in an upright position. If the waves are huge, you should bend down towards it if you’ve to withstand it. Whereas, at this time if you stand upright, the waves will thrash you and drag you along. Similarly, when you see a mighty unknown enemy, you should first bend towards him, pay your respects, analyze him thoroughly and then start your war game! Whereas, if the enemy is a familiar person, he is like the smaller waves on the beach. You need not bend down to such people. Hence, as an administrator, you should be flexible in nature! You should know where to bend and where not to bend!”

This is an extremely important point that Bhishmachaarya is narrating here, and for today, let us understand this very clearly! We shall continue with this point in the next episode with the help of a story that Bhishmachaarya is going to narrate! Stay tuned! 🙂

Episode # 1342 – “Never find an ‘escape route’ to shun your ‘Karma’” – Bhishmachaarya advises Yudishtra!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Bhishmachaarya’s accord on performing our “Karma” meticulously without running away from it. We’ve seen in detail as to how Yudishtra wanted to run away from Hastinapura, in order to perform penance in the forest. However, Bhishmachaarya has completely put a full-stop on Yudishtra’s intent and emphasizes that there’s no option of running away like this. To highlight this point more, Bhishmachaarya is narrating a beautiful story wherein a camel is praying to Bhagawan Brahma to grant him a boon of an ultra-long neck. As we know, normally camels have long necks and legs, but this camel wanted more length to his neck! Amused by the camel’s request, Bhagawan Brahma also gifted it with a neck which is around a thousand kilometers in length! With this, the camel started to stick out its neck everywhere for its food and water, without moving an inch from its existing place. 

Now moving on thus, with this kind of a peculiar laziness, the camel started to satisfy its food and water requirements from all directions, without making a move from its original place of sitting. Once upon a time, it started to rain heavily. Unable to get any food nearby, the camel stretches its neck into a tunnel, which is at a great distance from where it is sitting. The camel is able to stretch its long neck inside the tunnel, to check whether there are some plants, shrubs, etc. to eat. Fortunately for its good luck, the camel is able to get excellent food inside the tunnel. However, at the same time, there was a group of foxes which were roaming here and there, unable to get proper food due to the excessive rain. All the other animals have sheltered themselves in their own hiding places, and these foxes were starving without food. At this moment, when these foxes make their way to this tunnel, they find a long neck which is chewing food constantly. Upon looking at this unusually long neck of the camel, the foxes are delighted and they start jumping up in joy! They discuss within themselves thus, “Oh wow! Today we’ve got a great prey in front of our eyes! Let us make the maximum use of it! This camel has an unusually long neck, which is enough to satisfy all our hunger at a stretch! We can plan in a certain fashion so that all of us can bite this neck together and eat!” 

Saying thus, the foxes make their vicious plans. As we already know, foxes are known for this vicious planning and execution, they immediately get on to their jobs without wasting much time. As the foxes started biting the camel’s neck, initially the camel did not realize anything! It was busy enjoying the plants and shrubs in the forest. The mere sense of someone biting its neck reached the camel’s brain quite late, as it was sitting very far away! By the time the camel realized that these foxes are biting its neck harder, it was too late! The camel breathed its last, unable to bear the extreme pain in its long neck! 

Narrating this story, Bhishmachaarya explains thus, “Oh Yudishtra! If you’re lazy and unwilling to get up and do your tasks, you will definitely go the camel’s way! Just like how the camel tried to satisfy everything from the place where it was sitting (Comfort zone), if you sit in the forest (Comfort zone), you will also meet the same fate as the camel! Hence, Oh Yudishtra! You should never give room to laziness to take over your tasks! Once this happens, you will only start looking out for ways to escape from performing your duty! Only because you’ve found a lazy way out, are you talking about going to the forest and performing penance. This is not the right way in which you should talk and act! You should never be like this camel, when it comes to performing your duties meticulously towards your kingdom and people!” 

Saying thus, Bhishmachaarya highlights the importance of “Karma” and how it is mandatory that all of us should perform the “Karma” that is assigned to us by Bhagawan, rather than trying to escape from it! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall take this discussion forward with the next point, being highlighted by another beautiful story from Bhishmachaarya! Stay tuned! 🙂

Episode # 1341 – “Performing our ‘Karma’ meticulously” – Bhishmachaarya narrates a story of a camel!!!

In the previous episode, we had continued with the discussion on “Raaja-Dharma” by Bhishmachaarya, wherein he now explains how one cannot run away from the clutches of his / her “Karma” (Duties / actions). Bhishmachaarya is specifically addressing this point because the entire discussion commenced with the fact that Yudishtra was trying to run away from his Hastinapura kingdom and wanted to perform penance in the forest. Of course, Bhagawan Krishna and several other Maharishis have dissuaded Yudishtra from doing so, however, in this context, Bhishmachaarya puts an ultimatum to Yudishtra that he shouldn’t be doing such things. Whatever “Karma” is meant for him, Yudishtra has to do it meticulously, rather than jumping into somebody else’s “Karma”. Here, Yudishtra being a “Kshatrya”, should administer his kingdom properly without any blemish. Rather, he shouldn’t be performing the “Karma” of a “Brahmana Rishi” to go into the forest and perform penance. 

As we discuss this point, it is also important for all of us too, to understand our “Karma” and perform it meticulously. For instance, performing our daily “Sandhyavandanam”, “Gayatri Japam”, “Shraadham”, “Tarpanam”, etc. at the appropriate timings is very important and is part of our “Karma”. There is no escape from this. We’ve addressed this point in the previous episode as well – Some people proclaim that they aren’t in this “low level” wherein these “Karmas” should be performed! They claim that they’ve transcended to the highest “Gnyaana Yoga” and “Bhakti Yoga” wherein such “Karma” is not required to be performed! All these are rubbish statements! In this treacherous “Kali Yuga”, it is virtually impossible for normal people like us to transcend to any “Gnyaana Yoga” or “Bhakti Yoga”. Even if we do, it is a mandate that our “Nitya Karma” shouldn’t be compromised for the other two “Yogas”. 

Narrating this, Bhishmachaarya is now going to highlight yet another story to Yudishtra to drive home this point clearly. Bhishmachaarya now narrates thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Till now we’ve seen the story of the tiger and the “Dharmatma fox” isn’t it? Now let us see the story of a camel. Once upon a time, a camel was living in this world. All of us know how camels are – Normally quite lazy to move here and there – They can store enormous amounts of water inside their body for a long time, and hence, they do not even need to go somewhere in search of water as well. This camel once performed a deep penance towards Bhagawan Brahma. As the camel does the deep penance (Which is quite unusual), Bhagawan Brahma was impressed. He appears in front of the camel and asks the reason behind its immense penance. As Bhagawan Brahma asks, the camel replies thus, “Oh Bhagawan Brahma! I feel that I want an ultra-long neck! The neck that I’m having now is not sufficient!” As the camel asks thus, Bhagawan Brahma is surprised! He initially did not understand what the camel wanted. Normally if we see a camel, it’s neck is pretty long and curved, isn’t it? How much more length of the neck does this camel want now?

As Bhagawan Brahma clarifies, the camel replies further thus, “Oh Bhagawan Brahma! Yes. My neck is longer in comparison to many other animals. However, this length is not sufficient for me! I want a neck which is a hundred “Yojanas” in length!” Readers might remember that one “Yojana” is around 10 miles in distance. Now, the camel is asking for a neck which is a thousand miles long! 🙂 Anyway! Since the camel is requesting thus, Bhagawan Brahma couldn’t do much! He has to give whatever the disciple asks for, and thus, gifts the camel with a neck which is a thousand miles long! As the camel gets it, the real fun begins now! The camel goes and sits in one place, and from here, it starts merely extending its ultra long neck in every possible direction to eat all the fruits, leaves, etc. from various trees! Since the length of the neck is more, it was able to easily reach out to trees which were a thousand kilometers away! Thus, eventually the camel became ultra-lazy, unwilling to even get up and move an inch from one place to the other! With this, the camel became an “epitome” of laziness!”

So for today, let us understand this story up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this forward and see what is going to happen to the camel next! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂

Episode # 1340 – “There is no escape from your “Karma” (Action)” – Bhishmachaarya explains!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Bhishmachaarya’s accord on “Raaja Dharma” to Yudishtra, as we move on from the Tiger-Fox story. We’ve seen how “trust” is an important factor in leadership and specially in yesterday’s episode, we had focused on how “individuality” of a leader matters a lot. If we maintain our individuality, people will always respect us. However, if we start losing our individuality for something / someone else, we will start losing respect. This is exactly what happened to the “Dharmatma fox”. He lost his respect amongst the others because he was trying to deviate from his individuality of being a proper fox. Of course, even while the intent of the “Dharmatma fox” might be good, he did not get that reception neither from the tiger nor from the other animals. Hence, the “Dharmatma fox” himself accepts the fact that because he wanted to deviate from the “Dharma” of foxes, he had to bear the brunt of mistrust from the tiger. 

Saying thus, Bhishmachaarya explains to Yudishtra that he should also maintain his individuality as a “Kshatrya” warrior and as an able administrator, rather than wanting to become a “Sanyasin” and walking away from the duties of a “Kshatrya”. While giving this accord, Bhishmachaarya also laments that it has become a fashion these days for many people to walk away to the forest in the name of doing penance by shunning away their duties. While the outward intent for this might be to attain “Moksha” by performing penance in a peaceful location, the ultimate motive behind this decision is to simply escape from performing their duties! This should stop somewhere. If everyone starts abandoning their “Kshatrya” Dharma, then who is going to take care of the kingdom and its people? Also, it is to be understood that not everybody can become a “Brahmana Rishi”. 

If we’ve to interpret this point in today’s context, we might see a sect of people propagating against the performance of our “Nitya-Karma”. When we say “Nitya-Karma”, it includes our “Sandhyavandanam”, “Gayatri-Japam”, monthly “Tarpanam”, yearly “Shraadham” for our ancestors, etc. that we are supposed to do. Some people might say thus, “Oh! We’ve crossed all these states of “Karma Yoga” and we’ve transcended to the “Gnyaana Yoga” state. Hence, we are not required to perform the “Nitya-Karma” anymore! Moreover, some people say that if we give a “Dhaanam” to someone, it is equivalent to performing the “Tarpanam” and “Shraadham”. If we chant the “Vishnu Sahasranamam” everyday, we will not be required to perform any of our “Nitya-Anushtaanam”  at all! All these kinds of talks are mere signals of laziness and escapism, and nothing else! No matter whoever we are and whatever state we are in, there is no escape from our “Nitya-Karma-Anushtaanam”. Performing our “Sandhyavandanam”, “Gayatri-Japam”, “Shraadham”, etc. are mandatory for all of us, irrespective of whatever “Sahasra-Naamam” we chant or don’t chant! Nowhere in the “Shaastram” it has been mentioned that we can substitute one for the other. Of course, I’m not saying that the “Vishnu Sahasranamam” is not powerful. It definitely is! However, this should not come at the expense of our “Nitya-Anushtaanam”. I’ve been repeatedly saying this over and over again on several occasions – The reason being, we’ve to follow and perform the “Nitya-Anushtaanam” correctly without fail. If we fail to do, we are only hurting Bhagawan’s heart every passing day! If Bhagawan has destined us with a set of duties, it is our responsibility to fulfill them without fail, isn’t it? 

Thus, it is evident here also that there is no escapism from our “Karma” and this is exactly what Bhishmachaarya is also explaining here. Just because we might have transcended the state of “Karma Yoga”, it doesn’t mean that we would shun everything. In fact, to be very practical, none of us have crossed the “Karma-Yoga” stage. Bhagawad Ramanuja, even when he was around 120 years old, would go to the banks of River Cauvery by holding the hands of his disciples to perform the “Sandhyavandanam” every day! We might ask a simple question – Why should he do this? The answer is very simple – Even though Bhagawad Ramanujachaarya was a great ‘Gnyaana Yogi”, the “Gnyaanam” (Wisdom) comes through the fulfilment of the “Karma”. Hence, it is mandatory for such great “Gnyaana Yogis” also to perform their “Nitya-Karma”. If such is the mandate for such great people, what about us? Are we even an inch closer to Bhagawad Ramanujachaarya in terms of the “Gnyaanam” that he possessed? Hence, we should stop all these gimmicks and start performing our “Nitya-Karma” without fail every passing day! Even though people might keep saying all these narratives, we should care a damn. We should understand that there is no escapism from our “Karma” till our last day of life in this world! 

So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

Episode # 1339 – “If you lose your individuality, you will be thrashed!” – Bhishmachaarya’s message to Yudishtira!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the concluding remarks for the important story narrated by Bhishmachaarya on the tiger and the “Dharmatma fox”. While the tiger confronts the “Dharmatma fox” for no fault of his, the latter loses its trust on the tiger for unduly questioning him without conducting any preliminary enquiry or investigation. Once the trust factor is broken, it cannot be rebuilt again. Illustrating this point, the “Dharmatma fox” immediately gives his resignation from the position of being the tiger’s minister. In continuation with this point, we’ve seen yesterday that even if the tiger reinstates the “Dharmatma fox” to the minister position and tries to clear the allegations, what will the others think? Will the impression that the “Dharmatma fox” being a thief disappear from the others’ mind just like that? Once feigned in a bad way, remains forever, isn’t it? This is where the tiger should have been careful. By unduly punishing the “Dharmatma fox” without a formal inquiry, the tiger lost the trust of the “Dharmatma fox”. This can happen to all of us as well – This is why as an administrator, it is always important not to jump to an early conclusion without performing an inquiry into what has happened. Without knowing the facts, it is unjust and unfair to conclude that someone is wrong. 

Narrating thus, Bhishmachaarya continues his accord to Yudishtra – “Oh Yudishtra! Now that we’ve seen how the trust factor works, let us look from the angle of the “Dharmatma fox”. All of us know how foxes are – Vicious, plotting against others, cunning, etc. However, this fox wanted to be a “Dharmatma”, unlike the others and as a result, look at how he was feigned by the tiger for no fault of his! Of course, whatever the tiger did was wrong – He should have investigated the case and then come to a conclusion. However, if we look at it from the fox’s perspective, just because the fox wanted to deviate from its true nature, he had to be feigned this way. Had he been the way in which other foxes were, he wouldn’t have been subjected to this kind of a treatment. Thus, the lesson here is very simple – If you deviate from your individuality, be prepared to be thrashed!” 

Bhishmachaarya continues further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You are a “Kshatrya” warrior! You have to live according to the principles of the “Kshatrya Dharma”. Rather, if you’re trying to deviate from your normal self, you will definitely face a lot of criticism. Going to the forest, performing penance, begging your way for food, etc. are not part of your “Dharma”. You should always be an epitome of courage, confidence, valour and aggression. Only if you have these qualities in you, will people respect you! Oh Yudishtra! Let me tell you one more thing – People today aren’t willing to put in the required effort to achieve something. They are finding an easy way out for everything in life! Moreover, people start talking about performing penance, not because they really want to attain “Moksha”. They are trying to take this route in order to “escape” from their duties. They think that going to the forest, performing meditation / penance, etc. is very easy and nobody is going to question them. However, please understand that if you’re leaving behind your duties and try going away with this thought process, you are only running away from your duty!”

Now this comes as a shot in the arm for Yudishtra! Bhishmachaarya has exactly caught him on the wrong foot! If we recall our earlier discussions, it was evident that Yudishtra was not feeling good about continuing to rule Hastinaprua and instead, wanted to go away to the forest and perform penance. Bhishmachaarya now catches him with this point and directly nails his thought process. So how is Yudishtra going to react now? What is Bhishmachaarya going to reply to Yudishtra? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

Episode # 1338 – “It is difficult to regain trust once it is lost!” – Lessons from Bhishmachaarya’s accord!!!

We’ve witnessed an important accord from Bhishmachaarya in the form of a beautiful story on how “Trust” is a key factor in leadership. This comes at a time when Yudishtra asks a very important question to Bhishmachaarya regarding whom to trust and whom not to. For this, Bhishmachaarya narrates the story of a “Dharmatma fox” and how it served as a minister in the tiger’s cabinet. We’ve seen that the tiger suspected the “Dharmatma fox” stealing its prey, and with this, the “Dharmatma fox” lost its trust towards the tiger. Once the trust was broken, it was broken forever. This could happen with all of us as well. In any form of relationship, whether it is personal or professional, when the trust factor goes for a toss, it is very difficult or nearly impossible to patch up again. This is just like a mirror – If the mirror breaks, it is next to impossible to fix the broken pieces of glass and bring it to the same original shape. Even if we try and fix the glass pieces, the cracks that were originally formed will still be visible, isn’t it? Here too, if the trust is broken once, it remains in people’s mind as a dark patch, which will never disappear. 

Moving on further, there is one more point that needs to be highlighted from this tiger-fox story. Once a person bears an allegation / insult from the other, the respect and reputation that this person would carry, will also go for a toss amidst others, isn’t it? The “Dharmatma fox” himself says this to the tiger. He says thus, “Oh tiger! Now that you’ve alleged and insulted me in public amidst everyone that I’ve stolen your prey, all the others around you would be damn sure that I’m the one who had really stolen it. Now if you’re reinstating me as your minister, what will those people tell? Won’t it be a black mark for you also? The others would say that the tiger and the fox have entered into a “secretive deal” and it is because of this deal, the fox is back as the tiger’s minister. Isn’t this a bad reputation, both for you as well as for me? You might still try and justify to everyone that I’m innocent and you’ve made a mistake of casting a doubt over me for no fault of mine. However, once you’ve cast a doubt on me in public, that doubt will remain in their minds, and will refuse to accept your apology / justification later on! Hence, given this fact that I’m under an allegation, I refuse to continue as your minister henceforth!” 

Now this point is extremely important here – The biggest mistake that the tiger has done here, as we see, is to come to an early conclusion and dismiss the “Dharmatma fox” without any investigation! Because the decision of the king is sacrosanct, people around the leader will go by whatever decision the king makes. After a point, if the decision has to be reversed, it talks very badly about the reputation of the leader. This rampantly happens in today’s administration too – If a minister is accused of corruption charges and is pending investigation, just like the “Dharmatma fox”, it is better to resign from the position, face the trial, prove himself / herself to the world that there’s no such mistake upon his / her name and take back the ministerial position thereafter. However, is it happening in today’s context? Many politicians in the greed for power, never step down if there’s a corruption allegation on them. They cling on to their position and deliberately try to sabotage the investigation, even as the courts watch on helplessly! This is the reason why I always keep lamenting over the fact that in India, the judiciary has been reduced to a mere joke in the hands of the corrupt lawmakers and bureaucrats. Anybody in the higher ranks can easily manipulate the law and get away without any punishment today, and sadly the courts in India, including the Supreme Court cannot do anything about this! The situation cannot go worse than judges getting bribes for delivering verdicts in favor of one party! If such is the case, how can we as common people expect a fair justice? 

Thus, the point here is that, if there’s an allegation, it is better to step down, face a clean investigation, prove our point and then ascend the throne again, rather than being power-hungry and clinging to the chair, just to satisfy our own ego. The more and more we try to cling on without trying to prove ourselves, the more people will lose trust in us as leaders. So for today, let us spend time pondering over this thought with regards to trust and how to develop and nurture trust amongst our peers and colleagues. We shall wait till the next episode to move on with Bhishmachaarya’s next point of discussion! Stay tuned! 🙂

Episode # 1337 – Life & Managerial implications from Bhishmachaarya’s “Fox-Tiger” story!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the conclusion of the fox and the tiger story as being narrated by Bhishmachaarya as part of the “Raaja-Dharma” discussion. Here, Bhishmachaarya explains a very important point regarding “trust” in leadership. Per his accord, the “Dharmatma fox” is extremely upset with the tiger because the latter convicted him for a crime which he was not even part of. However, later when the tiger’s mother advised him in the right direction, the tiger realized his folly and seeked forgiveness to the “Dharmatma fox”. However, now the “Dharmatma fox” is steadfast not to continue in the tiger’s ministry, for the prime reason that if the trust gets broken once, it can never be earned again throughout the life! Given that the tiger had cast a doubt on the integrity of the “Dharmatma fox”, what is the guarantee that the tiger will not cast a doubt again in the future? Again tomorrow someone would say something and yet again the tiger would get carried away by the words of others, and will definitely start doubting the “Dharmatma fox”, isn’t it? 

More than just this, the “Dharmatma fox” reasons out with another point as well, which we will discuss in today’s episode. The “Dharmatma fox” says thus, “Oh tiger! Till now I’ve only spoken about your side – Casting a doubt on me by getting carried away by others’ words. Now let me talk from my side as well – I’m a fox. Generally a fox is known for its cunningness and vicious planning to outsmart the enemy. Even though I’m trying to walk the path of “Dharma” by shunning all my vicious attitudes, it is very difficult for the world to understand, including you. You might see me following “Dharma” in front of you, but if someone says something against me, your mind will immediately tend to believe their words, because after all, a fox is a fox! Your mind will go into the true nature of a fox, rather than sticking to the belief that a “Dharmatma fox” also exists. Hence, there is no fault in you. You’ve only gone by the default setting of your mind. Anybody in your state would have done the same thing. The mistake is on my side as well – As a fox, I should have lived by my true nature. By trying to be a “Dharmatma”, I’ve lost the trust of my own fellow pals. I’m walking this path of “Dharma” alone and all by myself. Now, when the world sees me in this way, it is hard for anyone to believe that I’m trying to walk the path of “Dharma” by shunning my vicious attitudes and cunningness. Hence, I should have been myself. This change in the basic nature of mine has caused all these misunderstandings!”

Saying thus, the “Dharmatma fox” concludes that it is no longer appropriate for him to continue as the tiger’s minister.  Narrating this story thus, Bhishmachaarya is driving home a very important point on “trust”. If the trust is broken, it is very difficult or nearly impossible to fix it again. This is similar to glass – We might have seen it during the course of our lives – If a glass mirror is broken, it is almost next to impossible to fix it and bring it back to its original form, isn’t it? Even if we manage to fix it, the crack with which the glass broke will always remain. This is the same thing that happened between Vibhishana and Ravana as well. We’ve seen this during our previous Ramayana project that until a point where Ravana had the trust on Vibhishana, things were going well. Ravana paid heed to all of Vibhishana’s words. However, towards the end, when Vibhishana prayed to Ravana to free Mother Sita from the “Ashoka Vanam”, Ravana did not budge. Upon repeated prayers from Vibhishana, Ravana became angry and abused Vibhishana by saying that he has become a stumbling block for everything in the kingdom and he cannot be trusted anymore! Once these words came out of Ravana’s mouth, Vibhishana understood that the relationship of brotherhood between the two of them has broken down, and henceforth it is not going to be easy to re-fix it again! It was with this heavy feeling of broken trust, Vibhishana left Ravana’s kingdom once and forever and surrendered at the divine lotus feet of Bhagawan Rama. 

Thus, from all these anecdotes, we are able to see how “trust” is very important in an individual’s life and relationship. If this trust is broken, it is very difficult to get together again. In the modern day context, this is also one main reason why many marriages are breaking down! If one partner loses trust in the other and starts to cast doubts, the relationship is completely broken down then and there! We’ve to understand that marriage is entirely built on mutual trust. If this trust is broken somewhere by either of the partners, it is next to impossible to fix it again. The couple may still live together by not opting for a divorce owing to several reasons. But once the trust is gone, the happiness associated with the marriage is completely gone for a toss! Hence for today, let us understand this point very clearly and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1336 – “Once trust is lost, it is lost forever!” – The “Dharmatma fox” resigns from the tiger’s ministry!!!

We’re at an important juncture in the tiger-fox story being narrated by Bhishmachaarya, wherein the former is in a great rage over the “Dharmatma fox” owing to the allegations from the other animals that the latter had stolen his prey. As the tiger walks towards the Dharmatma fox’s house, the mother tiger stops him and asks a few questions – Did the tiger verify the details given by the fellow animals? Are the fellow animals “Dharmatmas”? Or, did the tiger see the “Dharmatma fox” stealing the prey? Or, is there substantial evidence with the fellow animals to support their claim that the “Dharmatma fox” has stolen the prey? With her son having no answers to all these questions, the mother tiger questions the rationale behind her son inflicting corporal punishment on the “Dharmatma fox”. Adding to this, the mother tiger advises her son to be more calm and patient when it comes to decision-making. Without a proper investigation and evidence, how can one conclude that something has happened? Saying thus, the mother tiger calms down her son. 

Moving forward thus, the tiger pays heed to his mother’s words and finds them reasonable. He immediately launches a full-fledged investigation and goes to the house of the “Dharmatma fox”. The prey which was stolen, was still lying there at the residence of the “Dharmatma fox”. Upon questioning the “Dharmatma fox”, the tiger comes to understand that the other fellow animals had hatched a conspiracy plan to break this nexus between the tiger and the “Dharmatma fox”. Since the tiger questioned the “Dharmatma fox”, the latter became completely upset. He has been feigned for no fault of his! At that time of questioning, the tiger maintained his calm, and even then, the fox wasn’t happy! Anyways, now the investigation comes to a close, and it is now clear that the fellow animals were the culprits, and not the “Dharmatma fox”. With this, the tiger announces that he is going to execute all the fellow animals for hatching such a conspiracy and disrupting the entire proceedings of the kingdom. 

Meanwhile, realizing his mistake, the tiger once again goes straight to the “Dharmatma fox” in a bid to seek unconditional apology. Initially, the tiger had insulted the “Dharmatma fox” for being on the wrong side, and now after realizing that he was fooled by the fellow animals in the forest, the tiger doesn’t know what to say here! He is in tears! The tiger speaks to the “Dharmatma fox” thus, “Oh “Dharmatma fox”! My sincere apologies to you for casting a doubt on your integrity and “Dharma”! I had been completely misled by these fellow animals in this regard. Now that the air is cleared, I humbly wish that we should continue with our original relationship again. You should again discharge your duties like earlier, as my able minister!” Saying thus, the tiger falls on the feet of the “Dharmatma fox”. 

As the tiger seeks unconditional apology and falls on his feet, the “Dharmatma fox” accepts it. However, this comes with a catch! The “Dharmatma fox” replies thus, “Oh tiger! Till today I’ve been an able and an efficient minister for you in all regards. However, you should understand that my ministerial acceptance came at the backdrop of a set of twin conditions. You might remember that one of the twin conditions was that, you will never ever doubt my integrity at any point in time. If you do so, I will immediately resign! Now that you had doubted my integrity, I will no longer be able to continue as your minister! Oh tiger! You might ask me for an apology and say that the air is cleared of all allegations now, but let me tell you one thing – The moment you start having a doubt on someone, it marks the end of a relationship, no matter how much ever you try and apologize. You might say that the air is cleared between us now, but it might again throw up doubts in the future as well. Just because someone had said something, you started doubting me, and that shows the trust you’ve had on me! You did not want to stand up with confidence and tell your fellow animals that I wouldn’t have done such an “Adharmic” act. Instead, you chose to believe their words. What is the guarantee that you wouldn’t believe the words of outsiders and doubt me again in the future? Hence, it is better that we are good friends without any professional relationship. I’ve had enough!”

Saying thus, the “Dharmatma fox” puts down his papers and walks away from that place! This leaves the tiger in complete shambles! He realizes his mistake, but it is too late now! Once a relationship is ruptured, it is ruptured forever! There is no way in which it can be stuck again! Once the trust is broken, it is broken forever! This is an extremely important lesson for all of us here! Through this story, Bhishmachaarya tries to highlight how breach of trust can lead to disastrous consequences, and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall analyze this story and the lessons behind it in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1335 – “Verify facts before making a decision!” – Mother tiger advises her son!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Bhishmachaarya’s interesting story about the tiger and the fox. He is narrating this story as part of a bigger discussion on “Trust” as a very important leadership quality. Bhishmachaarya explains how the “Dharmatma fox” is passing the orders as an able minister and how the tiger listens to the latter and executes the orders perfectly as per the principles of “Dharma”. As a result, we’ve seen that the other animals find out the nexus between the tiger and the “Dharmatma fox” and decide to break this up! Thus, the animals create a situation wherein the tiger starts developing enmity towards the “Dharmatma fox” in the context of “stealing its prey”! As the tiger starts thinking whether the “Dharmatma fox” would have really stolen his prey, the animals add fuel to the fire that afterall a fox is a fox, and it is known to be cunning. The animals together advise the tiger not to believe in the fox’s words! 

Going by the animals’ advice, the tiger starts developing negative intentions about the “Dharmatma fox” and starts thinking what kind of punishment can be given to the latter. At this moment, the tiger suddenly has a thought in his mind – “Oh! This “Dharmatma fox” has taken a “Pratignya” not to eat the carcass of other animals, hasn’t it? Now, this comes as a contradiction here – While the animals are hell-bent that the “Dharmatma fox” has stolen my prey, however, the underlying fact per my knowledge is that this “Dharmatma fox” doesn’t consume non-vegetarian food! Which of the two will be true?” Even as this thought comes, the tiger discards it, and decides to go ahead with whatever the animals said! The tiger decides to kill the “Dharmatma fox” for its “corporal mistake”! With this decision raging in his mind, the tiger starts walking ferociously towards the house of the “Dharmatma fox”. 

At this time, the tiger’s mother stops her son mid-way! She sees her son raging with extreme anger and asks him thus, “Oh my dear son! You seem to be furious with something / someone! What happened?” As his mother asks, the tiger replies thus, “Oh Mother! The “Dharmatma fox” whom I had appointed as my minister has apparently stolen my prey and has consumed it without my knowledge! I thought he would be a “Dharmatma”, but he has proved to me today that he is just another fox without any truth! Afterall foxes are known for their vicious nature and cunning approach, isn’t it? Today I’ve been cheated by this fox, and I’m going to execute him for doing this to me!” Saying thus, the tiger tries to move out from that place, only to be stopped by his mother once again! The mother is now asking a few questions to her son thus, “Oh son! I think you’re hurrying up with your decision! First of all, who told you that the “Dharmatma fox” has consumed your prey? Is that someone a “Dharmatma”? Did you verify that claim? Or, did you personally see the “Dharmatma fox” consuming your prey with your own two eyes? Or, did the “Dharmatma fox” consume the prey in front of everyone?” As the mother asks thus, the tiger replies back – “Oh Mother! A consortium of animals came up to me and told me that the “Dharmatma fox” had consumed my prey! No! They are not “Dharmatmas” to my knowledge! I have not verified their claims! No! The “Dharmatma Fox” did not consume my prey in front of my two eyes!” 

As the son says thus, the mother fires back thus, “Oh son! If such is the case, how can you conclude that the “Dharmatma fox” was the one who consumed your prey? You’re saying that some random animals came and told this to you. You’re saying that they are not “Dharmatmas”! How can you trust the words of an “Adharma-Atman” more than a “Dharmatma”? Moreover, you’ve not verified the claim by yourselves! Also, this incident hasn’t happened in front of your eyes! How did you even think of concluding that the “Dharmatma fox” who is not even in this picture has consumed your prey? Is this the way a king should operate? Oh son! You should never go by people’s random words and make decisions. You should verify facts and then decide. Don’t get carried away by people’s words. They might have selfish reasons behind their words! You’re saying that the animals who came to you aren’t “Dharmatmas”. They might have a vested agenda behind them, which they might not reveal to you! Hence, first go and enquire what exactly had happened, and then decide whether to punish the “Dharmatma fox” or not! Do not come to a conclusion without verifying facts!” 

Saying thus, the Mother tiger renders important advice to her son, which is also equally important to all of us as well. Many times, we too blindly get carried away by the words of some people and we fail to verify their claims before we make a decision. So now the onus is on the son to take the call! Is he going to pay heed to his mother’s words, or is he going to stick to his earlier decision of executing the “Dharmatma fox”? We shall wait and witness the answer to this question in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂