- Illustration : Smt. Brundha Aravind, Bengaluru
- Read part 7 here
Keeping your citizens happy is a duty
cakṣuṣā manasā vācā karmaṇā ca caturvidham
prasādayati lokaṃ yas taṃ loko ‘nuprasīdati ||5.34.26||
People always long to see with happiness and pride any King who keeps his subjects happy by his gaze, mind, words and deeds.
One has to understand that there are different types of citizens (subjects) in every Kingdom. Also it is a known fact that pleasing all is not just a difficult task but to be honest close to impossible. There are some subjects who get contented with the gaze of the King, some would need a few words of appreciation or a pat on the back and some others would need a reward. An ideal King should analyse this and give them befitting tasks and honour them accordingly. This can also be applied at home for both, getting the tasks done and rewarding recognizing their efforts. In society, we have different types of people who get sated at various levels of appreciation, few need recognition or position, for few its money which matters the most and for very few it’s just a few words of appreciation.
Benevolence and popularity is essential
yasmāt trasyanti bhūtāni mṛgavyādhān mṛgā iva
sāgarāntām api mahīṃ labdhvā sa parihīyate ||5.34.27||
A King gets destroyed or decimated soon if his subjects get scared of him just as a deer gets scared looKing at a hunter. Such Kings, however powerful they may be, are deserted by their own subjects. A cruel Emperor who rules by scaring and punishing his subjects gets demolished like a bridge made of sand.
A cruel King is always despised by his own subjects and they will desert him sooner or later. Everyone wants to live in a place which is free from fear and is also peaceful. An ideal King needs to be benevolent and popular in the hearts of the subjects.
Lead by example
pitṛpaitāmahaṃ rājyaṃ prāptavān svena tejasā
vāyur abhram ivāsādya bhraṃśayaty anaye sthitaḥ ||5.34.28||
A characterless King might have inherited the Kingdom from his ancestors, but due to his bad behaviour and intentions he loses his Kingdom just as a cloud loses itself due to wind.
The influence of mighty people is always felt on commoners. If the King and other administrative staff also obey the rules and behave well then the Kingdom prospers. If the King and other staff themselves violate all rules and misbehave with the subjects then their end is not far off. There is a saying that yathā rājā tathā prajā, meaning the subjects follow the footsteps of the King or they are the mirror image of the King.
The elders and people who are considered to be in a commanding position should lead others by their own example. People should look upon them as role models.
This shloka is reminiscent of King Vena quoted in the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Purāṇa (4th Canto), who after coming to power became cruel and troubled all his subjects and sages. The sages after bearing with him for long, destroyed him with the power of their penance.
Tread the path of the great
dharmam ācarato rājñaḥ sadbhiś caritam āditaḥ
vasudhā vasusaṃpūrṇā vardhate bhūtivardhanī||5.34.29||
Great emperors like Manu, Bharata, Sāgara and Prithu have ruled this planet with their great virtues and by following dharma. Because of those good deeds, Mother Earth multiplies manifold the wealth that is hidden in her. This would not only develop the Kingdom but also the popularity of the King too.
The King should follow the practices adopted by these great Emperors both for ruling and living rather than trying out something which has just emerged. It’s always said that it is wise to follow principles, practices that have been tried and trusted by the best. If the best have used it then it’s the safest and the best available – be it a rule or a practice. This lead to the upliftment of the nation and nationalism.
An ardent student of Indian philosophy-Tatvavada.. with focus on management and leadership insights from Ithihasa and Puranas. Interested in Neeti and dharma shastras.