Rāmāyaṇa - An Ethical Treatise for Modern Political Leaders

Abstract

The seventh chapter of Rāmāyaṇa  narrates the qualities that the ministers should have. Rāma’s father Das̀ratha, the king of Ayodhyā, had eight primary ministers in his cabinet (Rāmāyaṇa 7.3) who were well aware of the qualities of a minister. They could judge a person from his outer expressions, always thought of the welfare of the king and the kingdom, and followed simple living and pure thinking. These qualities made them respectable in society and loved by the king and made them famous worldwide. Always busy with the administrative work of the kingdom they took decisions only after discussing and analyzing the whole situation (Rāmāyaṇa  7-18). They led a disciplined life and ethics was their guiding force (Rāmāyaṇa  7.16).Secretive about political decisions they always uttered nice and positive things (Rāmāyaṇa 7-19). In fact, king Das̀ratha could rule so successfully only with the help of such ministers, ethical, dutiful, generous, and truthful and of high character (Rāmāyaṇā7-20). Today’s world abounds in turmoil, violence, unrest, unhappiness and dissatisfaction. The Rāmāyaṇa  has an answer and a solution for each of these. Rāmāyaṇa  not only provides solace but also gives us an insight to human relationships, be they between two countries, two individuals or groups and compares behavior exhibited in such situations as opposed to the behavior that should have occurred in the society’s interest. If the ethics in politics as outlined by the Rāmāyaṇa  is followed, it will help clean the whole system and establish global peace and harmony on the lines of Rāma Rājya where everyone was happy and content.