Santhi parva of the Mahabharata is replete with the sound counsel given by the grand old man Bhishmapitamaha to Yudhistira on various issues that a king has to concentrate on. Yudhistira questions the great warrior how a brahmin should conduct himself in times of danger and difficulties. Bhishma had earlier informed him that in such times a brahmin can follow the dharma of a Kshatriya.“ Is there an occasion when the brahmin can follow the dharma or the ways of a vysya?” questioned Yudhistira. In reply Bhisma pointed out that the brahmin can follow the way of life of Vysya if he is unable to follow the ways of kshatriya. He can follow agriculture, protection of cows. “ What materials can a brahmin sell to qualify himself for heaven” questioned the eldest of the Pandavas.
In reply Bhisma said that under any circumstances a brahmin should not sell toddy, gingelly seeds, animals with manes, cattle , oxen, honey, meat, and cooked food. He will go to hell by selling them. If he sells a goat he earns the sin of selling the God of fire! By selling sheep he commits the sin of selling the God of water, Varuna! He sells the Sun God when he sells a horse! By selling cooked food he commits the sin of selling Goddess Earth! As he sells a cow the sin is that of selling “ soma rasa”! There can be bartering by offering raw rice in return for cooked rice as it is an accepted principle! It is an unpardonable sin to force someone and seize things from him! “How can a king protect his people if all classes of people rise against him?” questioned Yudhistira. It is the duty of the brahmins to strengthen the king’s hands. By their charity, tapas, controlling their senses, performing yagnas they should protect themselves. They should perform Vedic rites to support the king. A wise king shall always take the help of brahmins to improve his strength. When there is good governance by the king people will engage themselves in lawful activities. “ yatha raja tatha prajah”. If thieves and robbers create havoc in society all classes of society can take up arms against them. There is no sin in doing so!
“What should the brahmin do if the king or Kshatriya rises against them?” asked Yudhistira. Bhishma replied that they should protect themselves by performing penance, celibacy, taking up arms, honestly or by cheating! If the Kshatriya exceeds his limit in tormenting the brahmin, the Vedas themselves shall come to his rescue! Kshatriyas are born of brahmins. Fire is born of water and iron is born of stone. Their power is all pervading except in their place of birth! When Iron tries to break the rock, or fire tries to win over water, or when kshatriyas are inimical to brahmins, the three lose their strength! The strength, power and radiance of kshatriyas is nothing before that of the brahmins! One who sacrifices his life for the protection of Dharma is a martyr! Hats off to those who die in saving the life of brahmins! According to Manu such people reach “Brahmaloka”!
People who are wounded and killed fighting evil are purified. Dharma become adharma and adharma turns into Dharma depending on the time and the country in which which the person lives. Many who have done cruel acts have reached heaven! Kshatriyas following Dharma despite their sins have attained heavenly abodes! There is no sin on the part of the brahmin when he takes up arms to protect himself, when he encourages the other classes to follow their Dharma and when he drives away thieves and robbers! To another question by Yudhistira Bhishma replied that one who ferries another to the other shore in terrible floods and guides another when there is no other way can be worshipped whether he is of low class Sudra or any other class in society! He is the true relation who extends his hospitality to others when they are troubled by robbers and have nobody to look for help. He is adorable who wards off the fear of others and satisfies their desires! What is the use of an ox if it cannot bear the burden? A cow that does not yield milk is worthless! Similarly a childless woman is good for nothing! Likewise there is absolutely no benefit from the king who cannot protect his subjects!
Bhishma further adds that a brahmin who has not studied the Vedas and the king unable to protect his subjects are similar to a wooden elephant, a leather deer, a poor man, a eunuch and land that cannot produce anything! They become worthless like a cloud that doesn't bring rain! Bhisma asserts that one who protects his subjects and suppresses the bad elements is eligible for kingship! It is he who can rule the world!
Things have totally changed from the days off Dwapara Yuga to KaliYuga! There are not many kings or even brahmins! The rules established by the law giver Manu are observed more in the breach than in the observance! Honesty has become a rare virtue and commodity! Morality has reached its nadir! Ethics and culture are totally forgotten! There is a rat race for money and material things! Spirituality has declined! People Live for their love of money, luxury, entertainment and silly, small pleasures! Man says that he is God himself and denies the existence of God! Religion has lost its impact on man! Rationalism is at its height! Science and technology has changed the life of man enabling him to explore the skies and even colonize planets like the Moon and Mars! We do not know what more is destined for man!
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