Dharmic Injunctions

Dharma and the Responsibility of a Ruler

Jatayu, monarch of feathered creation continued speaking to Rāvan-Righteous kings who don’t have aims are not sanctioned per Sāstra. Don’t stray from dharma if you hold dear the welfare of subjects. King is the fountain of dharma, health & happiness. As the King, so are his subjects.It’s pertinent for a ruler to ever eschew sin & evil & be the foremost exponent of Dharma. Lusting after other’s women lays axe at the root of wealth & prosperity

Speaking Truth to Power

I see that my well meant advise is thrown away by you.It’s no wonder you can’t master your unholy passions as it runs in your blood, so words of wisdom are bound to fail in your case.If you say that you’re doing this as Rām is your enemy-Tell me one crime or an act of injustice committed by him in your dominion? Do you count the death of Khara at his hands as an injury to yourself? No it was him who took arms in defense of Surpanakha & forced a fight upon Rām overlooking law & propriety

Read about Ethical Decision Making→

When Power Ignores Dharma

Quit hold of Sita or else you’ll be consumed to ashes by the angry glance of Rām. Slight me not as I’m old. I’ve no weapons but my beak & talons & you’re armed to teeth but don’t hope to go from here unscathed

When Wisdom Comes Too Late→

The Responsibility That Comes With a Position

Profound lessons for leaders & people in positions of power.To be upright & sticking to principles is their only responsibility. The position one gets comes with a set of responsibilities & it is imperative to execute them to the best of one’s capacity. If one fails to do that, he will sooner or later be destroyed by his own efforts.

Lessons from Ramayana on Corporate Governance→

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dharmic leadership according to Jatayu’s advice to Ravana?

Jatayu’s advice presents Dharmic leadership as remaining committed to Dharma, avoiding sin and evil, and acting with the welfare of one’s subjects in mind.

What responsibilities are central to Dharmic leadership?

The article says that a position comes with a set of responsibilities and that those responsibilities must be carried out to the best of one’s capacity. For a ruler, this includes being an exponent of Dharma.

Why is self-control important in Dharmic leadership?

Jatayu tells Ravana that he has failed to master his passions. The article connects this inability to control one’s passions with the failure to follow wise counsel and Dharma.

How does Dharma guide a ruler’s relationship with his subjects?

Jatayu says that a king should not stray from Dharma if he cares about the welfare of his subjects. He describes the king as the fountain of Dharma, health and happiness, adding, “As the King, so are his subjects.”

What happens when a leader fails to uphold Dharma?

The article warns that when someone fails to remain upright, stick to principles and fulfil the responsibilities of their position, they will sooner or later be destroyed by their own efforts.