A Role Revered
The title “Rajaguru” seamlessly fuses two Vedic Sanskrit words – ‘Raja’ meaning king, and ‘Guru’ meaning mentor. Legendary Vedic King Bharat, after whom India is christened ‘Bharath,’ had Bharadwaj. The celebrated King Rama had Vashistha. The Mauryan stalwart, King Chandragupta, was mentored by the illustrious Chanakya, known by various monikers like Kautilya and Vishnugupta. These are but a few jewels in the glittering crown of Indian royalty and their revered Rajagurus.
Interestingly, these Rajagurus did not relish luxury nor dwell in bustling capitals. They chose seclusion, nestling in forested hermitages. Their strength didn’t emanate from riches or regalia but from vast knowledge reservoirs and deep-seated wisdom.
Legacy in Literature
Valmiki’s Ramayana, an epic scripture, recounts the sage advice Vashistha offered Prince Rama. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a treatise on administration and governance from the Mauryan period, is yet another testament to the Rajagurus’ depth of knowledge.
In today’s age of instant gratification and fleeting trends, one might question: Why should these ancient narratives matter?
Politics and Power: Then and Now
Modern political paradigms might seem starkly different, but the core essence remains eerily similar. Even as we’ve pioneered groundbreaking technologies, our political ethos hasn’t evolved as exponentially. We remain ensnared in age-old dilemmas: What is the true nature of power? What differentiates a noble leader from a nefarious one?
The Rajagurus understood the intricacies of these questions. For them, power emanated from the mind, manifested in three distinct forms:
- Sattvic Power: An embodiment of pure intention, Sattvic power stands for a deep intelligence that’s not about dominance but influence. It’s free from the clutches of detrimental emotions like desire, anger, or greed, commonly termed Arishadvargas. This power is about mastering oneself before leading others.
- Rajasic Power: Herein lies the dichotomy of good intent ensnared by personal weaknesses. Many rulers of the past found themselves caught in this web, their deeds mirroring their internal conflicts.
- Tamasic Power: Deemed as malevolent, this power reflects ill intent and control driven by nefarious means.
Rajagurus: A Source of Balance and Insight
Kings, often embroiled in the tumult of Rajasic power, sought solace and guidance in their Rajagurus. These mentors, imbued with the calming Sattvic power, were not just consultants but healers, pacifying turbulent minds and providing clarity.
In a world that’s rapidly changing, the teachings and principles of these ancient seers can offer solace and guidance. Their understanding of politics and power remains relevant, urging us to reflect, evolve, and perhaps, find our own Rajaguru within.
