Bhishma Pitamaha holds a central and pivotal role in the renowned epic, Mahabharata, as the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces during the decisive Kurukshetra War. Within the Kuru Kingdom, he stands as a statesman of paramount importance, tracing his lineage as the elder son of the revered King Shantanu and the divine goddess Ganga.
Bhishma Pitamaha’s legacy encompasses profound contributions, among which is his invaluable guidance to Yudhishthira. This guidance revolves around the important responsibilities that befall a ruler, echoing through the annals of time and remaining profoundly relevant even in contemporary contexts. In brief, Bhishma Pitamaha’s teachings to Yudhishthira shed light on the noble duties that rest upon a king’s shoulders. These teachings transcend eras, offering timeless wisdom for leaders even today:
O Yudhiṣṭhira! Primarily, a king’s foremost aspiration should be to garner the favor of his subjects, thus fostering prosperity. The wise and virtuous sages unanimously opine that true kingship manifests when the ruler’s actions delight his subjects. Scholars unanimously acknowledge the king’s power as a means to serve and uplift the people, recognizing him as the foundation authority. Therefore, a king committed to the advancement and magnificence of his realm must consistently attend to and satisfy his subjects.
Also, a king must embody truthfulness, inculcating authenticity among his subjects. For, indeed, truth resides within the divine, and the divine within the truth. Untarnished conduct and transparency should hallmark the king’s interactions, from his attire to his interactions with diverse cultures within his kingdom. In the dispensation of justice, the monarch should strike a balance, neither excessively lenient nor oppressively severe, adhering to the principles of equitable punitive practices, devoid of discord.
Furthermore, even in leisure, the monarch should adeptly wield a harmonious blend of gentleness and strength to guide the collective psyche of his subjects, akin to a chef tending to a well-regulated flame while baking bread.
To gauge and find out the truth, the king ought to appoint spies who are untainted by desires and avarice, characterized by noble lineage and unblemished integrity. These operatives should remain unacquainted with one another, ensuring an unbiased flow of information. Devoted and astute individuals, rather than fools, should populate the ruler’s court, embodying both dedication and sagacity.
A distinguished ruler must distance himself from those harboring animosity, perpetually critical or given to backbiting. Truth speakers should be honored, irrespective of discomfort, while those untruthful should be disregarded, regardless of allure. Assistants or ministers chosen by the ruler should possess ethical conduct, unwavering allegiance to sovereignty, knowledge, nobility, and inflexibility to vices such as desire, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, and malice.
In fulfillment of their duty, the ruler should punish those who undermine duty, endanger the nation, oppress the populace, and threaten humanity, irrespective of personal fondness or societal worship. Collaboration with those who undermine ethics and craftsmanship is inadvisable, while amicable relations with followers of these virtues are prudent.
Even during times of peace, the monarch should not disregard the accumulation of arms, remaining vigilant against neighboring rulers, even those who are ostensibly friendly. The ruler who remains alert to safeguard the realm from all sides earns the praise of his subjects. Neglecting such vigilance invites calamity and downfall. Subjects laud a ruler whose realm is devoid of fear from external aggressors, theft, and scarcity. Such a kingdom fosters unity and shuns treachery, envy, ego, and negligence.
This king is repeatedly praised by his subjects for taking decisive action against inactive, greedy, and senseless officers, as well as those who engage in bribery.
A true king swiftly punishes wrongdoers according to their crimes, upholding the principles of royal virtue. Any ruler who fails to hold criminals accountable is sure to lose the favor of his people.
A responsible king attends to the needs of the vulnerable, extending protection to those who seek forgiveness and assistance, considering it a solemn duty. The monarch should also provide patronage to scholars and writers who enrich the national culture and instill patriotism through education.
O son! A person should never ignore even a small disease, enemy, fire, and wicked person. Since they all give pain when they increase. O grandson! Now you cast off all the doubts of your mind, and protect (govern) your subjects as per your duty.
A king is worshipped both here and hereafter when he nurtures his subjects in the light of justice and duty. By hearing these words of Bhīṣma Pitāmaha, Yudhiṣṭhira’s mind acquired peace. Others sitting in that assembly also experienced a sense of happiness. Then they all expressed their wish to know about other subjects too.
