The Mahabaratha, the epic depicting the early events of the Bharatas, is a national tradition. It is a source for Political, Social, Religious, Ethical and Cultural ideas in the Indian society. Though a battle between the good and the evil and the establishment of righteousness and justice in terms of human life it is an expression of the whole nation. There's a popular saying whatever is in India is in the Mahabaratha.
The Bhagavat gita is not the source of dharma in the Mahabharata. The bhagavat gita is the science of reality and a vision of truth. It was taught by krsna, incarnation of the Lord. Philosopy in the Mahabharata does not end there. Bhishma, Vidura and Yudhishthira were all philosophers. Bhishma was an old sage warrior, son of the river Ganga, Vidura was a Planner of Bharata and Yudhishthira was the eldest of Pandavas. Moost of their philosopy extends to politics and ethics.
A lot of management, political and social lessons could be learnt from these scholars. For example Bhishma says
" For one work only one person should be appointed,
not two or three,
for they may not bear each other"
Even though we talk a lot about team work or sharework it does not end up a success if the team does not get along as one.
" By ill-timed action one does not gain
the same action, well timed, gives great results"
The time sense of the person is very important.In today's world it is said as " the right thing at the right place at the right time"
Vidura was a counsellor in the kingdom of the Pandavas and later the Kauravas. He advised them on various issues in the political side of the kingdom. His sayings include
" Words well spoken, bring many good results;
the same, ill spoken, are cause of great evil."
The use of the right words and the way it is spoken gives pleasure to the listener and things get done easily but the use of the wrong words is a cause for worry.
" He who plucks unripe fruit from the trees,
gets neither the juice nor the seeds.
Who plucks fruits ripened by time,
gets their juice and also the seeds."
The time sense of a person is stressed again. When things are done at the right time we stand to benefit from it otherwise we tend to lose.
Yudhishthira, also called as Dharma for his fair mindedness was a great scholar. He believed in Justice and righteousness and led his life as an example for many. He is said to have won over Yama, the God of death, by answering Yama's questions. His answers include
" Abandoning pride a man becomes lovable,
abandoning anger he does not regret;
abandoning desire he becomes rich,
abandoning greed he becomes happy."
The emotions a person must avoid so that life on earth can be peaceful and hassle free. The ultimate aim of any one to be happy, rich, lovable and without regrets and how to attain them.
"big ignorance constitutes the ego"
The main problems in life are caused by ego and pride. Yudhishthira says ego is caused by ignorance. Knowledge dispels the ignorance and thereby the ego.
