Maxims from Mahabharata

-        by Sridhar Potraju

-        A review by Madhavi Girish Kunte

   

By definition, Maxims mean the fundamental principles or rules of conduct. As the name of the book suggests, the author has compiled maxims from the Mahabharata. It is a general perception that is stated by the ardent students of the sacred text, that everything prevalent in the world is already present in Mahabharat. Thus, a seeker looking for the key to an enriched life may find the answers in this sacred text.

On the face of it, the small handbook may appear to be a mere compilation of quotes from various parvas. On the contrary, the author has put forth these ideologies in a contextual manner. He has focused on the core principles that govern our life.

This book dwells on the fact that there is a lack of reading material with Indian maxims and whatever is available is concurrent with the western philosophy. Many times, the original texts lose their meaning during translations and various interpretations. To form an independent and uninfluenced point of view and opinion, a reader has to have access to the unabridged version of the texts. In this regard, the book points out the several thoughts, ideas, maxims and anecdotes having subtle messages on how to live in harmony with self, society and nature at large. For someone who is unable to read the Sanskrit text, this book offers a word to word transliteration for all the maxims along with the English translations.

Though it does not dictate or promote a moral code of conduct, this book helps promote rational thinking. The author connects various dots from different parvas of Mahabharat and presents the ideas in a coherent manner.

For example, the chapter on Dharma presents maxims on Dharma from various parvas.

 

Yato dharmastato jayah (where Dharma is, victory is there.)

 

Satyam hi paramambalam (truth is the greatest strength.)

 

The chapter on faith covers maxims related to peoples’ faith in the almighty.

 

Yatahkrsnastatojayah|| (whereever Krishna is, victory shall be there.)

 

There is a chapter dedicated to maxims on anger management and the downsides of submitting to one’s anger, which may serve as a key for the youth of today.

 

Yo hi samharate krodham bhavastasyasusobhane|

Yah punah purusha krodham nityam na sahate subhe||

Tasyabhavaya bhavati krodham paramadarunah|| (One who conquers his anger prospers, whilst those who don’t, reap adversity as a consequence.)

 

Krodhamulo vinaso hi prajanami hadrsyate| (Anger is the root cause of destruction of all creatures.)

 

Various other maxims are covered under respective categories of truth, principles governing punishment, karma, hygiene, nature, reputation, eternal values and mental health. The author has also identified maxims pertaining to the power wielded by spoken words.

 

The various excerpts from Vidurneeti, Sabha parva, Udyog parva, Santi parva, Anusasana parva, Vana parva and Bhagwadgeeta serve as a guiding light for humanity. By citing the maxims categorically, the author has made it very easy to understand for the current generation who have a disconnect with the core Indian knowledge system.

Hopefully, this book will be able to bridge the gap prevalent between the existing wealth of knowledge and the new age seekers. 

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