The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the eighteen Puranas collectively form the vast foundation upon which the impressive structure of Indian religion, philosophy, culture, and literature stands. Among these texts, the two epic narratives, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, have played a pivotal role in uniting and sustaining the diverse aspects of Indian life throughout the challenges of many centuries.
While the Vedas primarily catered to the priestly and aristocratic classes and the Upanishads focused on intellectuals and philosophers, it was the Puranas, including Ramayana and Mahabharata, that served as the true Vedas for the general populace, shaping their lives and character over the past two millennia.
Suppose we observe Mahabharata just as an epic story. In that case, we cannot justify the essence of the story because the story transcends time as a source of philosophical, ethical and social insights. Mahabharata was originally a poem written by Sage Vyasa. However, it is assumed that the long poem was composed by some unknown entity, and later Vyasa compiled it. Over thousands of years, this mammoth poem was rewritten, edited and shortened to make it intellectually accessible to the mass population.
Although the Mahabharata was composed thousands of years ago, its narratives, dilemmas, politics, and even defence strategies hold immense relevance in contemporary society. It is nearly impossible to decode the epic with all its dimensions. Still, here, I examine its impact on modern-day issues, including governance, ethics, morality, the complexity of human relationships, and conflict resolution. By exploring the parallels between ancient wisdom and present-day challenges, this study aims to uncover how the Mahabharata continues to shape thought processes, decision-making, and societal norms in the 21st century
Ethical and Moral Dilemmas in Mahabharata
When you go through the text casually, you will find stark contradictions in the characters, as well as profound moral and ethical challenges. Some characters are exalted as saints, heroes and absolute morals. Still, in the course of the story, we need to reconsider our exemplification of these characters as highly moral and ethical.
For example, we all know that Bhisma, the great warrior, was not just a warrior but also a saint. However, in the whole story, we do not observe his great wisdom when he abducted girls to win them for his step-brother Vichitravirya. I do not understand the compulsion to stay mum when, in front of everybody, Draupadi was disrobed. Some argue that Bhisma was committed to his dharma of following the rule of the king, but that is also a fragile proposition. A person’s dharma (path of righteousness) is always truth and morality, if not his vow.
Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making
The Mahabharata offers a wealth of examples related to ethical governance and decision-making. Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, is frequently regarded as the personification of justice and virtue. However, his strong moral principles present him with significant personal and societal challenges, underscoring the complexities of maintaining ethical standards in positions of leadership.
In contemporary contexts, leaders in politics, business, and public life often find themselves navigating intricate moral dilemmas where their choices can benefit some at the expense of others. The teachings of the Mahabharata urge leaders to prioritise the common good, even if it requires personal sacrifices, a message that remains relevant in discussions of ethical leadership today.
The Mahabharata delves into the complex tapestry of human relationships, including those between siblings, spouses, educators and their pupils, and leaders and their followers. In today’s world, where personal, social, and technological factors shape our interactions, this ancient epic provides meaningful insights.
Family Dynamics and Conflicts
The fierce rivalry between the Pandavas and the Kauravas reflects contemporary family disputes fueled by issues of power, wealth, and pride. This epic illustrates the potential for destruction that arises from unresolved tensions among family members. As traditional family structures evolve, with nuclear families becoming more common than extended households, the Mahabharata prompts us to engage in self-reflection, nurture empathy, and seek reconciliation to avoid family strife.
The Bhagwat Gita and Modern Psychology
One of the Mahabharata's lasting legacies lies in its profound philosophical discussions, especially those found in the Bhagavad Gita. Set against the backdrop of the battlefield at Kurukshetra, Krishna engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Arjuna that delves into existential questions regarding duty, detachment, and the meaning of life. This dialogue continues to resonate today, as many people face challenges related to stress, feelings of isolation, and the quest for purpose.
The Gita's focus on mindfulness, self-discipline, and controlling temper amid success and failure reflects contemporary psychological ideas such as resilience, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and mindfulness meditation. Arjuna's struggle with existential doubt and Krishna's guidance reflect the challenges that people encounter with anxiety and self-doubt. The Gita offers valuable strategies for mental health management and promoting a balanced, enriching life.
Karma in Today’s World
The doctrine of karma in the Mahabharata emphasises that one's actions, rather than the results, define what is righteous. This emphasis on action-oriented ethics promotes personal responsibility and accountability—important values for creating a fair and just society. In today's world, the idea of karma highlights the significance of collective action in tackling social challenges such as climate change, inequality, and public health.
What The Mahabharata Is Not
In one sense, the Mahabharata is not a historical account. Most people, especially Western historians and Indologists, compare this epic to the Peloponnesian War, but these two epics are totally different, both philosophically and functionally. Similarly, since a significant part of the epic happened on the battlefield, many imply it as a prescriptive text, such as Sun Tzu’s Art of War. Although the epic is not historical in the purest sense, it is not mythological or a fictional story from someone’s mind.
It does include didactic elements, but that does not dilute its strategic importance. In one way, the Mahabharata can be considered a strategic document, certainly not a religious text. In the whole text, the Hindu word was never mentioned, though Varna, like Kshatriya, Brahmin and others, were mentioned.
The Mahabharata transcends being simply a narrative centered on warfare. Although it offers some of the most elaborate and vivid accounts of combat, heroes, battlefield scenarios, the unpredictable nature of war, and the utilization of arms, it equally emphasizes strategic aims of warfare and methods for achieving them. Moreover, the epic explores the consequences and inherent futility of conflict.
This text does not delineate right from wrong within the realm of strategic thinking. Instead, its emphasis on context, nuance, and situational decision-making presents options that resonate with the complexities faced in daily life.
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