Vāmadevagītā
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Vāmadevagītā literally means ‘Gītā taught by the sage Vāmadeva’.
Origin of Vāmadevagītā[edit]
This is one of the sixteen minor gītās found in the Mahābhārata. It occurs in the Śāntiparva[1] and has 71 verses. It is in the form of a dialogue between the sage Vāmadeva and the king Vasumanas. This has been recounted by Bhīṣma to Yudhiṣṭhira. Rājadharma[2] is the chief topic covered here.
Content of Vāmadevagītā[edit]
- By describing the qualities of a good king and the characteristics of an evil one, the work places before us the picture of an ideal kingdom.
- An ideal king always follows the path of dharma.[3] In this he has to be guided by a competent guru or spiritual preceptor.
- He has to assiduously cultivate great virtues such as self-control, soft but truthful speech, respect for the virtuous people, consideration for others and devotion to spiritual life.
- By relentless efforts and diligence he should acquire competence in as many fields of administration as possible.
- He should appoint the right man for the right place, take good care of trusted assistants and employees, and organize an efficient espionage system.
- He should keep the following as top-secrets:
- Strengthening defenses like the forts
- Plans of wars
- Consultations with trusted ministers regarding the affairs of the State
- Proper plans for giving comforts and conveniences to the people at the right time
- In wars he should fight like a hero and treat the prisoners, especially the captured rulers, with kindness and sympathy.
- As regards internal administration, he has to pay attention to the following factors:
- Protect himself from internal enemies
- Take the help of reliable people who have proved their loyalty and efficiency
- Keep the taxes to the minimum level
- Be just and impartial towards the subjects
- Avoid haste in implementing the decisions and policies arrived at
Qualities of a Bad Ruler[edit]
Vāmadeva also cautions Vasumanasa as to what a king ought not do by describing the follies of a bad king.
- A bad king not only abandons dharma but also willfully follows adharma.[4]
- He rules by force, oppresses the weak and gives a free hand to the wicked.
- Leading an immoral life himself, he encourages it in others.
- He ignores the guru and the good ministers, employs evil persons and knaves to assist him and harasses his subjects.
- Neglecting the time-tested traditions, being indifferent towards well-wishers and the welfare of the State he ultimately ruins himself and the kingdom.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore