Monday, March 07, 2011

the sum and substance of politics

एकया द्वे विनिश्चित्य त्रींश्चतुर्भ्यो वशं कुरु।
पञ्च जित्वा विदित्वा षट्सप्त हित्वा सुखी भव॥
महाभरथे उध्योगपर्वनि प्रजागरणपर्वे विदुरनीतिवाक्ये ३३-४३
ekayā dve viniścitya trīṁścaturbhyo vaśaṁ kuru|
pañca jitvā viditvā ṣaṭsapta hitvā sukhī bhava||
mahābharathe udhyogaparvani prajāgaraṇaparve viduranītivākye 33-43

With mind and intellect oriented in ONEness  of purpose, 

the king should  decide theTWO things.. what is to be done according to dharma and what should not be done.  

The THREE types of persons around you, namely friends, enemies and neutrals 
should be brought to your control and favour 

applying  the theFOUR means...
Saama..endearment through respect and negotiations, 
Dhaana, through gifts (sometimes it may be bribes to enemies), 
Bheda .. causing unrest and lack of faith between enemies, 
and Danda...not sparing the rod  (this application of this  can varyfrom minor punishments to complete annihilation). 

 The Five sense organs of perception should be brought under control
(sight, hearing, touch, smell  and taste are the five senses and the orgains are eyes, ears, skin, nose and tongue respectively)

 using Six  forms of political strategies  
Sandhi, 
Vigraha, 
Yaana,
 Aasana, 
Dhwaiteebhava
 and 
samshraya 
( pacts, wars, visits, embassies, causing quarrels and misunderstanding among unfriendly groups , and pretending surrender but waiting to win )  

and abstaining from the 
Seven deadly  vices --
carnal desires,
gambling,
 hunting,
intoxicants,
harsh words,
harsh punishments,
and hoarding wealth through foul means...

the king or ruler should have a nice and comfortable time.


Though given as a guidance from Vidura to Dhritaraashtra in statescraft,  the political nuances are applicable to any ruler of any time. 
The advices should apply to all managers whatever be their level, and also to the ordinary persons while tackling life situations 
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