Significance of Stratagem
Stratagem is defined across various contexts in South Asia as a clever scheme or plan aimed at achieving specific goals, often with military implications. It includes the Crow's deceptive act to save the Deer, the Ratemahatmaya's clever return of the Kaekiri fruit, and the strategy for Virapala to win Lilavati's hand in Natyashastra. Additionally, it encompasses tactics related to theft in Mahayana and the plan devised by monks to take sleeping spaces in Theravada, showcasing the diverse interpretations of stratagem.
Synonyms: Tactic, Scheme, Plan, Maneuver, Device, Trick, Strategy, Design, Plot, Gambit.
In Dutch: List; In German: List; In Finnish: Juoni; In Spanish: Estratagema
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Stratagem'
In Buddhism, Stratagem pertains to tactics that assist in wrongful acts, such as theft, and also includes plans, exemplified by six monks collaborating to secure sleeping areas, highlighting the concept of strategic thinking in various contexts.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A plan or scheme devised by the group of six monks to occupy the sleeping places.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Tactics or schemes auxiliary to theft that can facilitate the act of stealing.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Stratagem'
In Hinduism, Stratagem symbolizes the clever schemes, exemplified by Vaihasika's plan to secure Lilavati's marriage to Virapala, highlighting the role of wit and strategy in achieving personal desires and overcoming obstacles.
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The attendant referred to the Jackal's trickery as a stratagem, explaining to the Prince why he had suggested such a cunning plan to the Elephant.[3] (2) A method of excelling force, as stated by Damanaka after the Black Snake was dispatched by the Prince's servants.[4]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A cunning plan or trick used to achieve a goal, such as capturing a rival king by means of an artificial elephant.[5] (2) A stratagem was resolved upon by Shridatta and his friends to secretly carry off the princess Mrigankavati, with the plan involving a journey to Mathura where they would live together in perceived safety.[6]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Clever plans or schemes, often used in a deceptive or cunning manner.[7]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Indra is skilled in stratagems and needs to devise a plan to delude Suchi from her object, indicating the use of cunning and strategy in divine affairs.[8]
Jain concept of 'Stratagem'
In Jainism, Stratagem refers to the plans of the god Prabhavati due to Udayana's lack of enlightenment. This suggests divine intervention to guide individuals.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) What the god Prabhavati planned because Udayana was not enlightened.[9]
The concept of Stratagem in local and regional sources
Stratagem is a clever plan or scheme aimed at achieving specific goals, as illustrated by the Ratemahatmaya's plan for the Kaekiri fruit, and the Crow's ploy to aid the Deer’s escape from danger.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A clever scheme or plan designed to achieve a specific goal, often in a military context.[10] (2) The clever plan identified by the Ratemahatmaya to return the Kaekiri fruit to the man who presented the valuable heifer.[11] (3) A clever plan devised by the Crow to help the Deer escape from the noose by pretending to be dead when the Gamarala approaches.[12]
Classical concept of 'Stratagem'
From: The Authoress of the Odyssey
(1) Stratagem refers to Ulysses's clever plan, particularly the use of the wine and the sharpened olive wood, to outwit and escape the Cyclops Polyphemus.[13]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The stratagem was a plan employed by the Owl to trick the Grasshopper by praising her song and offering her nectar.[14]