Leadership • Values • Power • Emotion
Like any great story, the context of kingdoms & lineage, followed by the advent of characters, gave rise to the Great Epic of the Mahābhārata, therefore understanding these is the first step to deciphering the lessons.
A Hunger for Wisdom
"Having listened to the history, sweet as nectar, of their liberality, prowess, physical strength, mental vigour, energy, and perseverance, I have not been satiated!"
King Janamejaya to Sage Vaisampayana
Leadership
The characteristics of different leadership approaches is at the crux of The Mahābhārata. The traits and qualifications of a leader, their consequential actions, and reactions make for much of the uncertainty and dramatic sequences. With by far its largest section, the Shanti Parva most of which is dedicated to rulership, leadership values and mechanisms are one of the primal offerings this epic holds.
Values
Whether in leadership, or in conducting domestic duties, the role of morality and values features high in The Mahābhārata. The intricate laws of karma unfolding according to the exercise of diverse values systems and relative priorities. For centuries, these have led to much thought over the hierarchy of values, and informed many an outlook.
Power
The exercise of both soft and hard power feature from the outset.; choice of when to exercise power, when to refrain; how to align with power; how to make near-term sacrifice for long-term gain; how to gain power at all costs, and the consequence of exercise of power all form key turning points in the many twists in the Mahābhārata.
Emotions
Beginning with close familial ties, upbringings shared together, competitiveness, emotions are usually running high throughout the epic. Strewn with impulsive passionate romance, haste, regret, manipulation, anger, exploitation, abuse, loyalty, betrayal, and long standing deep personal relationships, the Mahābhārata contains emotions in full display.
