World Wise

THE DILEMMA

How does it help, just ‘me’ being a ‘good human being’ when the ruthless world is out to pulverise my morale, and my ethics? How do I internalize the value systems imparted to me, and yet be compatible to the world I live in?

This is a world of challenges, opposition, injustice and attackers, to which our children will soon play a part - attackers not just on the people, but on the mind-set, culture and character. When I heard the talk of Mr. Nilesh Bhise, I found great pointers to some of these questions – sharing below.

THE MUSE

A woman, who had the toughest choice, won both! The choice between Saubhagya and Swarajya. She advised her son strategically - when to befriend the enemy, and when to strike them. She possessed internal forbearance and strength. This granted her the mind power to ‘risk her child’ to pursue the path of righteousness against extreme adversity.

An insightful mother, guru and guide – none other than Rajmata Jijabai recounted chronicles of Ramayan and Mahabharat to her son Shivaji, which soon became the foundational guiding force in his life of war (yuddha), strategy (niti) and dharma. He profoundly extrapolated the collectible lessons which made it relevant to his contemporary world.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Some of the values that Jijamata instilled in Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj are truly revealing.

Personality traits of Shivaji Maharaj

1.       Self Confidence – No matter how challenging the situation, don’t be afraid. Be confident!

2.       Shaurya – No matter how strong the enemy, remain strong in the mind!

3.       Dhairya – Along with bravery, be patient and watchful – attack at the opportune time!

4.       Psychololgical warfare – He breathed confidence into his army, and broke the moral (manobal) of the opponents!

5.       Vyayam– very particular about self-health. This made him extremely strong physically!

6.       Atma Raksha – And attention to details! - He kept his beard very small, so no one could grab hold of him.

7.       Assertiveness – He did not follow the British currency. He made his own – Shivaji Maharaj currency!

Personality traits of Sambhaji Maharaj

1.       Netrutva – Leadership quality from an early age. At 15 he was leading an army of 10,000 soldiers!

2.       Vaktrutva – Bhashan kala - Communication skills was highly impactful. Sambhaji Maharaj was known to be very witty and gave spontaneous and characterful responses to his enemy. It involved vacan, chintan and manan.

3.       Kartrutva – When there is a challenge in front of you, you should contract that difficulty. With this your ability will increase!

AN INSTANCE

Shivaji Maharaj fought tooth and nail for 20 years to regain the forts, which he successfully did with great effort and skill. However, very soon during the Purandar Treaty, it was all lost, like a reckless Tsunami. How did Jijamata mentor him, and pull him out of this hopeless situation?

1.       Instilled confidence when her child was low

2.       Understood him

3.       Gave him new hope

4.       Strategized for new thigs

5.       He Conquered

6.       He Won

She looked at him not as ‘my son’, but as a servant of the country, as an establisher of dharma

How can you conquer the world if you have not conquered your own senses? Personality literally means ‘persona’ or ‘mask’ i.e. what you wear. According to Bharatiya tradition, personality means – man, mastishk and buddhi ka vikas.

 

 

Acknowledgment:

Lectures of Mr. Nilesh Bhise at BMS