Section LXXXIII - Characteristics of Legislators, Ministers, War Councilors
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXXIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Yudhishthira seeks Bhishma's advice on the characteristics required for various positions in a king's court. Bhishma emphasizes the importance of qualities such as modesty, self-restraint, truthfulness, sincerity, and courage in legislators, ministers of war, courtiers, generalissimos, and counsellors. He warns against appointing individuals of low descent, covetous dispositions, cruelty, shamelessness, and lack of integrity in positions of power. Bhishma advises the king to choose ministers who are loyal, devoted, intelligent, and possess wisdom, beauty, dignity, and perseverance. Lastly, he stresses the importance of secrecy, wise consultation, and the need for measures to conceal any laches or weaknesses.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section LXXXIII - Characteristics of Legislators, Ministers, War Councilors, have a look at the following articles:
Section LXXXIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LXXXIII:
What are the characteristics of ideal ministers and counsellors for a king?
Ideal ministers should be modest, truthful, courageous, and devoted to the king's welfare. They should also possess wisdom, loyalty, and the ability to make sound decisions.
How should a king choose his ministers and counsellors?
A king should choose ministers who are of high birth, loyal, wise, and trustworthy. They should be devoted to the king's well-being and possess qualities like humility and honesty.
Why is it important for a king to consult with his ministers before making decisions?
Consulting with ministers allows a king to gather different perspectives and make informed choices. It also helps in concealing the kingdom's weaknesses and addressing the laches of the ruler and subjects.
What are some key principles for successful consultations and decision-making in a kingdom?
Key principles include holding consultations with trusted ministers, seeking advice from a knowledgeable preceptor, and implementing decisions without attachment. Consultations should be held in a suitable location and should involve careful deliberation before taking action.
Daily life: Characteristics of Legislators, Ministers, War Councilors:
The wisdom shared by Bhishma emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who embody integrity, wisdom, courage, and devotion both in personal and professional spheres. At its core, this advice can transform how one navigates daily life and decision-making processes. To start, prioritizing relationships with people who are consistent, truthful, and supportive in all situations enhances one’s ability to face challenges and thrive. These individuals bring out the best in us, helping us remain focused on our goals and moral compass during trying times.
In the context of collaboration or teamwork, selecting partners or team members who are knowledgeable, ethical, and dedicated to collective success ensures that every endeavor is approached with a blend of intelligence and ethical consideration. Honesty and a shared sense of purpose foster an environment where innovative solutions and mutual respect flourish. Furthermore, tackling complex problems becomes more manageable when diverse perspectives grounded in righteousness and skill are welcomed.
Lastly, leading with humility and always being open to learning from others, regardless of their role or status, invites an abundance of growth and wisdom into one’s life. Celebrating others' abilities and successes, rather than viewing them through the lens of competition, nurtures a supportive community around us. This approach, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, holds the key to building lasting relationships and achieving meaningful success. By carefully choosing who we surround ourselves with and acting with intention and principle, we pave the way for a life filled with purpose, joy, and accomplishment.