Relevance of Sanskrit

                                       Relevance of Sanskrit

The antiquity of Sanskrit is unquestionable. Since it is not spoken and understood by most of the people, it can  be considered at the most at present a dormant language still containing active elements of vitality seen in the structure, words and literatures of other languages and in prayers to various gods and in religious ceremonies observed even today.
With so many invasions and advent of modern science and civilization in India, medium of English, a foreign language, Sanskrit went into disuse. This language had never been a language of the masses, but a language of the elite class, language of the priests and astrologers and it continues to be their language to this day, but only for limited purposes.
Sanskrit is connected with scriptures and religious practices. The details of ceremonial observances, punishments of crime and expiation of sin are certainly obsolete now, though in their times they did serve a useful purpose.
To an ordinary man Sanskrit is nothing more than the stories and myths and religious conduct(out dated ) depicted in Manusmrti. The stories and myths abound in Sanskrit are symbolic and can be appreciated only when given a deep thought. So they are not properly understood as people in general are not conversant with the depth of Sanskrit language and most of the stories are  or read through translations. The real significance is lost and they do not have modern appeal. Religion, abstract detailings, obscure language and other unintelligible things appear incoherent to modern man. So Sanskrit is discarded as useless.
Generally people do not explore Hinduism as something well beyond brahmanism. Often religion is misunderstood. All misunderstandings about dharma, karma, religion arising out of ignorance , selfishness, narrow mindedness and superstitions are passed off as belonging to Sanskrit itself. Caste system gets no new look in. The real analysis in its historical perspective is not done and is misused for political purposes. Secular is used as against Sanskrit which has come to stand for religious.
 Such being the position, the question arises ' Is Sanskrit really outdated ? It is true today Sanskrit is not living as a spoken language. But is its impact on other languages of India, nay other countries, its rich culture, its vast spectrum comprising all compartments of  knowledge all waste, dead? There is not any field in which Sanskrit is not enriched. But how many people even Sanskrit persons know it ?
It is often said that a worthless man never knows the worth of the preciousness of the gem he possesses. Only a non-possessor knows the worth and yearns and tries to get it. Indians felt proud and took the credit for being the owners of Sanskrit when two decades before foreign scholars expressed the possibility of Sanskrit as a fitting language for computer. Its connection with artificial intelligence brought a fresh vigor even in non Sanskrit people to learn Sanskrit through a crash course in one month or ten days and came to be associated with it to claim honor for it.
With a view to teach the Japanese scholars correct pronounciation of Sanskrit, a Japanese library planned to bring out a Compact Disc (CD ) with Sanskrit grammar and verses. This was also planned to help Japanese people to study the Deva- Bhasha, the language of the gods.
Research centres were set up in Europe to identify problems where the Vedas would be relevant, arising from the application of Science and Technology- environmental pollution, bio- medical and bio-technical ethics and the unsustainability of consumption based growth. The project would also seek to identify elements within modern science that are related to vedic ideas on consciousness, mind, matter and time.
Now scientists support positive relationship between vegetarian diets and risk reduction for several chronic degenerative disesases. Here again we have time tested use of vegetables and diet according to climate, weather and conditions of vata, pittha, kapha so scientifically arranged in Charaka and
other samhitas . Can there be a better opportunity for fusion of tradition and modernity than this?
The scope for pilgrim tourism is enormous here as India is steeped in mysticism , yoga, meditation and religious fervour. Here again, knowledge of Sanskrit and Sanskrit literature which abounds in temple-lore such as architecture, stories of gods, symbolism of religious practices can help pilgrim tourism in taking off in a big way. Thus it will give an opportunity to eradicate the wrong conceptions about religion, religious practices as understood today.

In the national seminar organized by Bar council of India on ' Law, religion and politics', it was pointed out that though it may sound a paradox, but practicing religion in its highest and noblest conception and in the acceptance of the universality of mystic experience of all religions was the only hope to peace in an unrealistic situation. Secularism under Indian constitution is neither irreligious nor anti-religion but demands equality of all religions.In our pluralist society, it is a necessity and not a luxury. Religion cannot be eliminated. The more it is suppressed the more it aggravates the situation more so because religion and law confront each other in pluralist society. So the seminar emphasized on the need for a constitutional definition of religion rather than the abolition of it. Here again Sanskrit has a vital role to play. The word religion in English smacks too much of things external such as creed, rites, an external piety. There is no one Indian equivalent. The term ' Dharma' can be a fitting one. Dharma in its true sense is ' a way of life' and spirituality as the attempt to know and live in the highest self , the divine, the all- embracing unity and to raise life in all its parts to the divinest possible values. Now it is the right time to return to the age old ideal of India in its real amplitude.
 Sanskrit's relevance to modern times can be explored in beauty schemes also. There is a trend for herbal treatment in beauty clinics. People are moving towards indigenous ingredients for various beauty aids. Here the immortal Sanskrit has a hand to lend in and give an ethnic touch.
Hair dyes ( murdhaja raga ) have been dealt with in detail in Atharvaveda, Brhatsamhita. Navanitaka, an older work of 2 CE describes as many as eleven hair dyes recipes and refers to 46 ingredients employed in their preparation.
The Gandhayukti section of Brhatsamhita offers rich material for a chapter on the historicity of ancient Indian cosmetics. For example, a formula for obtaining 84 perfumes of the fragrance of Vakula flowers is set forth there. There is an all- purpose perfume called sarvatobhadra.there is mention of mouth- perfumes made into small tablets for chewing similar to mouth freshners of today. Scented oils ( Agni purana ), dyeing of clothes ( Brhatsamhita ), tooth -sticks ( Charaka, Sushruta ), Bath powder, Talcum powder are all enlisted in Brhatsamhita.
Sanskrit has no less contribution to Horticulture. All aspects connected with crops like preservation of seeds, grafting, manuring, diagnosis of diseases of trees and other related materials are profusely available in texts like Brhatsamhita, Krshiparashara, Abhilashitartha chintamani, Vrkshayurveda and Upavana vinoda.
To cite one example, Sesame treatment for the soil. The Sesame plants in bloom, when cut into pieces and allowed to mingle with the soil, would become an excellent green manure for the soil for further cultivation. It is also held if this Sesame crop  does not flourish in a field, nothing could be grown there with advantage. Similarly when the fruits of a tree are destroyed prematurely, it should be watered with milk that has been cooled after being boiled with horse gram, green gram, black gram, Sesame and barley. Being treated thus, it will have abundant flowers and fruits.
It is interesting to note the details on transplantation of plants from one country to another and growing three kinds of fruits on the same tree on its different branches.

A look at the Home-Science section of Sanskrit literature. It offers varied and exciting recipes such as preparation of different dals, vegetable dishes from raw  paka Banana ( kadali ), brinjal ( vrntaka ), bittergourd ( karavalli paka ), white pumpkin ( kushmanda ), lotus stalk ( kamala kanda ) and from the leaves of Neem, Lotus, Jackfruit etc. Even non- vegetarian dishes have been mentioned. Preparation of sweet dishes ( payasa ) and setting of curd are its special features.

Nature-cure ( Naturopathy ) can enrich itself with  Hydrotherapy , Chromotherapy , Solartherapy and other types of treatment scattered in Vedic and Sanskrit literature. Herbal treatment is also dealt with.

There are both explored and unexplored texts in Sanskrit on Cookery, Agriculture, Architectecture, Astronomy, Astrology, Chemistry, Aeronautics, Philosophy, Poetics, Dharma Shastra, Epigraphy, State craft, Erotics, Grammar, Lapidary science, Equestrian lore, Elephant lore, Lexicography, Mathematics, Medicine, Music, Religion, Theft and on topics like Mining, Earthquakes, Exploration of water- springs, Comets and others scattered in different Samhitas.

In any comparative study whether language, literature, law or any field of knowledge, Sanskrit can form a rich base. Many findings arrived on the basis of Sanskrit texts can startle the modern scientist. These have only scratched the surface area of rich mine of Sanskrit which has tremendous potential for research..

Further Sanskrit has a characteristic of its own - an ennobling ehical sublime idealism. That knowledge can be a panacea for all types of ailments. The humanistic appeal of qualities like love, compassion, kindness, charity. tolerance the inculcation of which form the creamy layer of Sanskrit literature can add a touch of charm, liveliness and success in any walk of life whether in family, society, business, management or anything. A knowledge of proper study of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhakti literature can impart the Art of living by which man can discover in himself the equipoise to stand up to life's situations, meeting efficiently the ever changing world of challenges he has to meet. Let alone the modern medical research findings on music, yoga, meditation as cure for diseases like Neurosis, High blood pressure, Migraine etc. Even with chanting or listening to the chanting of Vedic mantras , soul-stirring beautiful Sanskrit songs sung, yoga and meditation, the mind can be revived from all its fatigue and it can get recharged with all its irresistible potentialities. Karma and rebirth theory understood in the right perspective can instil will power and motivation and can make life meaningful.
It falls on Sanskrit knowing people to take upon themselves to prove the richness of Sanskrit in diversified fields.They should translate Sanskrit works both published and unpublished from Sanskrit into other languages both of India and other countries and works in other languages into Sanskrit to enrich it. Hindu mythologies, stories, theories like caste system, ceremonies, Samskaras should be given a proper face lift in the correct perspective through newspapers, magazines and journals.
The real parameter to judge research is its relevance to social needs. The sublime thoughts of seers and sages put down in writing thousands of years ago are not archaic remains or fossils from the cavern of the past but the facts experienced by the seers themselves.Their statements are marked by a keen desire to promote human welfare. In a culture being bombarded by the outward forces, Sanskrit provides a continuity with our glorious rich past whose motto is, ' Let the entire world be a single family ' and it should be exploited to build a better future fusing all the nations into a single family.
Now this is the time for new image. This is the time for fusion of tradition and modern. Cut flowers are beautiful. But their freshness remain for how long ? When we have the strong healthy roots, why not nurture it and get beautiful flowers which will not only make the birth soil fragrant but will make the entire atmosphere ever fragrant.

Religion, a path of discipline to spirituality as seen in the daily life of Indians

       Religion, a path of discipline to spirituality as seen in the daily life of Indians

 The socio- cultural life of people is shaped by its basic philosophy of life. For Indians, it has always been the religion. According to our ancient wisdom, religion and philosophy melt together in a common crucible, the crucible of life itself. Religion is a practical search for the Sublime, the Supreme Principle. In the first stage, the Sublime is realized in the cosmic power and later in social values. Then it is seen identical with the spiritual qualities like non- violence, love and goodness.

 Our scriptures have structured the daily life into various activities specifying their time and method. If viewed properly, we can find all our activities imbued with spiritual meaning. In the words of Swami Vivekananda ' The Hindu is a peculiar person. He does everything in a religious manner. He eats religiously, he sleeps religiously, he gets up in the morning religiously, he does good things religiously and also does bad things religiously.

Religion has three aspects: Philosophy, mythology and rituals. Philosophy deals with ultimate questions of life like the existence of God, nature of man, creation of this world, the goal of life as well as the path that leads to it. Mythology tries to bring these ideas from the dizzy heights of metaphysics to the ordinary level of understanding of common man through stories, similes and examples from day to day life. Then comes the role of rituals. Though designed to reflect the basic philosophy of life, they also help to release the energies and emotions through constructive channels, since they are action oriented.According to our scriptures, human birth is rare and the best among creation as it is alone is the means to salvation because of its discriminating power. The division of days into various tithis making them sacred to various deities and major festivals in various seasons show an organized life for the individual. The basis of all this is the fulfillment of four purusharthas namely, dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The masters of sriptures who evolved this system conceded the existence and the need to fulfill the natural instincts of a human being towards the pleasures of ' the here and the now'. Intuiting the power of these instincts, if unbridled, to create chaos and conflict in the society, they tried to regulate them through dharma, an iron frame work of a code of righteous conduct that would regulate these instincts, and allow them to be satisfied too. Controlling these instincts through dharma and by following disciplines prescribed in the scriptures, a human being can gradually transcend them, thus rising to higher spiritual aspirations.It is at this juncture that the concept of moksha ( liberation) appeals to the heart as also the spiritual disciplines needed for the same are voluntarily undertaken.

Not only the vratas and utsavas, even an ordinary day is designed exactly for this purpose of achieving the metamorphosis of the human being from mundane to the supra mundane levels.

The scriptures advise one to get up from the bed, at least one and a half hours before Sunrise, at the time known as Brahma muhurta, conducive to learning. At this hour, the sky emits a pale bluish light  or halo in the east.These bluish rays coming from the east contain a subtle awakening magnetism inspiring the brain and the body. There is one more reason also for selecting this hour for studies and prayer as this morning time is fully charged with vital energy, ozone. This living energy is what the body cells, nerves, and skin require for giving that fresh look or glow seen in good health seen on man's face. This vital energy is what the yogi requires for charging his six yogic centers or chakras during the Sandhya prayer of Gayatri.

While getting up, one is advised to look at one's palms, reciting a verse remembering the goddesses Lakshmi, Sarawati and Parvati praying that the day may dawn bringing all prosperities. Palms or hands is symbolic of work.Man's prosperity is hidden in his work or efforts only. What a beautiful way to boost self-confidence at the stating of the day !
As soon as one puts down his feet from the bed in the morning. he is expected to pray to the earth seeking pardon.What a noble concept ! The earth is like mother and should be respected.Stepping upon her is like hurting her.Apart from this, one should pray to one's deity.
It is not that we have to follow the same form.But we can modify it accordingly to our times. We can get up with a nice, positive feeling of looking forward to spend the day fruitfully with the feelings of gratitude to the Almighty for whatever He has given to us.

After getting up,with water full in mouth one should wash his eyes with splashes of water daily. This will ensure his healthy eyesight through out his life. This is stated in Garuda Purana which gives many valuable medical tips. Tooth cleaning is a must. Then morning bath is recommended for an absolute sound health. Bathing at night except under the auspices of lunar eclipses is prohibited. Bath after meals is prohibited. A morning bath either before or after the appearance of the Sun on the horizon is recommended as wholesome. Bath in the morning has a specific purpose to serve. The famous medical text by Sushruta gives the reason:
' The human body, extremely filthy within and provided with nine apertures ( openings), day and night exudes impure and unclean secretions and morning ablution is the means of bringing about its purification, each day. Morning bath imparts a cheerfulness to the mind and health and a beautiful complexion to the body.It dissipates grief and misery, bad dreams and evil thoughts .'
Modern medical experts also recommend morning showers.
Man should wear fresh clothes after bath.
Cultivation of good habits is emphasized often. Studies should be pursued every day. We should give up contact with wicked people, resort to the assembly of the good. We should do meritorious deeds day and night, remembering the unstability of everything in the world.It is beautifully said thus in Garuda purana,
' Those who had been unmindful of studies during studentship and those who have wasted their wealth during youth in pursuit of lust fall into a miserable flight during old age slighted by others and burning within like the lotuses in the winter season.'
What a beautiful practical tip !
A little study, a little virtue, a little act of charity practised each day, may serve to make the life full and woth living.
By strictly adhering to the performance of six rites every day man obtains every thing. They are- taking bath, Morning and evening prayers, recital of mantras, homa, worship of gods and hospitality to guests.
Taking food is also a sacred act. Anna is Brahman. Food contributes to the invigoration of the principles of earth, water, fire and air in the body and the essence of food, after being properly digested and assimilated in the organism, brings about a pleasurable condition to the self. So while taking food, one should feel thankful to the Lord for getting it due to His grace and pray for the continuity of the same.
Food shall not be cooked for one's own exclusively. Of the five portions of the food prepared in a household, each day, four should be respectively allotted to the use of the departed ancestors, gods, men and birds.
Greatest importance is attached to numerous injunctions and taboos about food.Light food is recommended for night.
The nature, quantity and cooking of food depend upon appetite, relish and season. food, containing a fair amount of liquid ingredients and taken neither too slowly nor too fast, is most easily digested, while heavy and too frequent meals impair digestion and health, insufficient food also weakens the body. Rest, light walks, enjoyable occupations not requiring heavy physical exercises and light sleep are beneficial for digestion.All meals should contain many ingredients of different tastes, but incompatible foods should not be included in a single meal. There is a method of serving food. Water is offered first but drunk at the end. As water represents Narayana, it is served first as it is the supreme food. Articles of sweet flavour should be taken at the starting of a meal. Things of acid and saline tastes in the middle and those of bitter, pungent and astringent flavour at the end. This order is to maintain the equilibrium of the three doshas for keeping sound health. Cold water is drunk after the meals as it counteracts the deranged pitta and helps the food in the stomach to be in a semi-liquid and easily digestible ( Sushruta ).
Regular physical exercises is one of the best methods for creating resistance to diseases and guarding against physical decay. As a general guidance, Sushruta directs that the duration of the period of exercise should be limited to half the time that brings physical exhaustion. There should be a definite time in the day for taking such exercises. Surya namaskara is the king of exercises. Such regular, adequate and proper exercise developes muscles all over the body, removes unwanted fat, improves the general appearance and complexion, gives greater digestive power, endurance,resistance to changes of temperature and resistance to diseases. It also gives the desirable mental qualities of alertness, retentive memory and sharp intelligence.
Walking serves an aid to longevity, improves digestion and bodily strength and gives sharpness to themind and senses. Strenuous walks reduce fat and check exessive secretion of kapha ( phlegm ), but fatguing walks may cause weakness and emaciation. Walking is recommended in the morning and after nightfall. A sufficient period of rest is necessary after exercise and walking, as such rest removes mental tensions and benefits the system. But sedentary habits increase accumulation of kapha and bodily fat and ultimately make the person weaker.

Evening time is the best time for prayers. Evening is marked with lighting the lamp at home. Evening dusk denotes ignorance, diseases and enemies and the lamp, the Almighty, the ultimate destroyer of all these and abode of bliss.
Recital of the most powerful Gayatri mantra, the meditation on the mysterious monosyllable 'Om', the symbolic name of the Supreme among our daily activities are important focal point for radiating healthy thoughts.
It is also mentioned that one should go to the temple of God for acquisition and preservation of his ( man's) desired objects ( Garuda purana ). Going to temple nearby and participating in Arti ( Waving of lights before the idol ) during evening surcharges one with spiritual environment. It induces serene thoughts. Now a days with one click, all types of stotras and mantras are available on i-pad, cell phone and cassettes. Listening to these will enable a man to surcharge his atmosphere with spirituality whenever wherever he needs. It is indeed a blessing to modern man to utilize such opportunities for his evolution.
Worship of Tulasi plant ( sacred basil ), Shalagrama ( a stone symbolizing Vishnu ), Shiva linga, Ashwattha tree, cow, all these reiterate the basic philosophy that divinity is present in all.
A restful sleep increases physical vigour, digestion, keenness of the senses and helps in balancing the bodily dhatus and doshas.

One should not sleep during the day and at both twilights. one should sleep only at night. at the time of going to bed, one should review one's actions done during the day and pray to god.What a beautiful finish to the end of the day !
Sleep is considered to be a nitya pralaya ( deluge ) when the individual self merges into the Supreme, giving the sleeper a taste of bliss. That is why sedatives are prescribed to induce sleep in bodily ailments. Because the proximity of the individual self to the Supreme brings about the sound health back.
Today the main cause of our malaise is our uprootedness. We are detached from our spiritual foundations which give us poise and balance. If the world is disorderly and miserable, it reflects the state of our minds.
In fact, all books on stress management, relaxation techniques give these points only in an attractive form. It is human nature to realize its valuable possession only when it is recognized and pointed out by others. Hinduism has offered one ultimate solution to all problems of life, that is 'moksha'. Since all our problems are rooted in the body-mind complex, transcending this is the ultimate solution. This will result not only in the freedom from sorrow and suffering but in positive bliss.
Our religion is a scientific one. It teaches universal truths and laws of nature just like a science. It points out that we have to make the best use of the present. What is gone is gone for good. What is future is still remote. He who acts only in the present knows no affliction.

Our rich cultural legacy has given us the pattern of activities of daily life to follow. Each activity is a stepping stone to the Supreme only making each day a pleasant, memorable and blissful one. Thus if we realize that we are not simply objects but subjects also, every day will give us a new chance, herald a new life, even a new order of society. when there is order in the nation there is peace in the world.

Principles of Management from Manusmrti

                         Principles of Management from Manusmrti


Manusmrti is a famous text on Dharma shastra and an authority on the topics dealing with society and politics and judiciary.

Many principles of effective management found in it are still valid.

Universal policy frame work for good management

The king ( CEO) should seek to acquire what he has not acquired, preserve diligently what he has acquired, augment what he has preserved, and distribute what he has augmented among worthy recipients.
These he should recognize as the four means of securing the goals of man and he should execute them properly and tirelessly every day.

Knowledge about other things in the world

He ( king, CEO) should be knowledgeable about the desirable and undesirable properties of goods ( things), the good and bad aspects of regions, the probable profit and loss of merchandise, and how best to raise farm animals. He should be well informed about the wages to be paid to employees, the different languages of people, the manner of storing goods, and the procedure of buying and selling.
Thus , he should make the utmost effort at making his assets grow in accordance with the law and diligently distribute profit to all.

Learning for CEO never stops
Learning and humility--for success
After getting up in the morning, the king should pay respects to learned brahmins who are experts in the triple veda and follow their advice. Even if he is a learned and disciplined man, he should always learn the rules of discipline fro them, for a disciplined king ( CEO) never comes to ruin.
Note- morning indicates regularity of learning from the experts- a key to success.

Management requires expertise in other subjects also
From experts in the three vedas, he should learn the triple veda, the timeless science of government, logical reasoning and philosophy of self and from the common people, commercial enterprises.
Note- Philosophy for peace or for maintaining a balanced  mind, commercial enterprises means Economics and Commerce.
Note-Triple Veda refers to Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda as they deal with sacrifices and moral codes to be followed here.The Vedas are authority as they are not the creations of human beings.They are called 'Apaurusheya ' not from a man. They are the words of Almighty revealed through the sages in their deep meditation for the benefit of mankind. Having created the world and men, the Almighty gave the Vedas to follow the virtuous path leading to the highest goal in life. The dharma revealed in the Vedas is of two kinds- one characterized by action ( rites and duties ), and the other by renunciation and distinguished by knowledge and detachment. That dharma, which is meant for the stability of the world and is the direct means to both secular and spiritual welfare of living beings is the guiding light and continues to be followed by all, who aspire after the highest.
The fourth Veda Atharva Veda is different in contents.It deals with incantations of magic spells and peace. So it is not included in the trayi.


Work is worship- The only way to prosperity, new endeavours should be tried.
Indead, he (CEO) must embark on his operations repeatedly, though repeatedly exhausted; for fortune devotes herself to a man who embarks on his operations.
He must not hold himself in contempt for his past failures. He should pursue prosperity till the end, never deeming it too difficult to achieve.
All activities here depend on on divine and human dispensations. Of these, however, the divine is inscrutable. Action is possible only with respect to the human.

Need of assistants as a company is too big to be managed by a single person

Even an easy task becomes difficult when undertaken by a single person especially if he has no associates. How much harder will be a kingdom ( company ) yielding great revenue.
Qualifications of assistants or counsellors
The king should appoint seven or eight counsellors. They must be individuals who are natives of the land, well-versed in the Treatises, brave, well-accomplished and coming from illustrious families, individuals who have been thoroughly investigated.

Appointment of executives
He should also appoint officials. They must be individuals who are honest, intelligent, steadfast, and able to collect revenues properly, individuals who have been thoroughly investigated.
Note- So two types of officials- one set exclusively in the advisory capacity and the other set for executing the works.
Optimal number of persons required for the completion of the work
He should appoint as many tireless, clever and wise men as are required to carry out the works.

Decision making
After ascertining their views in the matter, first from each individually and then from all of them collectively as a group, he should do what is in his country's ( company's) best interest.
From the most distinguished and sagacious learned among them, however, the king ( CEO ) should seek the most important counsel.
Trusting him completely, he should always entrust all is affairs to him and proceed with any task only after reaching a decision jointly with him.
Ultimate authority is the contentment of mind in deciding any matter or work to be executed.
He ( CEO) should diligently engage in those activities that give him inner joy and avoid those that do not.This rule is applicable to employees also.
The ultimate root of law ( right decision in undertaking ) is the contentment of one self.


Identification with company leads to success
Company is not different from CEO
Company is the body and employees are the soul. By torturing them, CEO destroys himself .
As living beings destroy their lives by oppressing their bodies, so kings ( CEO ) too destroy their lives by oppressing their realms.
He should observe this rule always in managing his realm, for when his realm is well managed, the king ( CEO ) prospers with ease.

Self- discipline expected from CEO
He should always strive vigorously to subdue his senses.For when he has subdued his own senses, he is able to bring his people under his control.
Discipline in the company
Discipline can be maintained by someone ( CEO ) who is honest and true to his word, who acts in conformity with the rules, who has good assistants and who is wise.
Behaviour towards the staff
He ( CEO ) should always act without guile and never with guile.
He should never start a senseless fued or an argument with any one.

Campus recruitment
He ( CEO ) should pay honour to learned ones who have returned from their institution after finishing their studies, for this is the inexhaustible treasure of knowledge decreed for the kings. This is the real investment for future prosperity.
Appointment in tune with scholarship and conduct and providing facilities for retainment
After ascertaining the man's learning and conduct, he should provide him with a means of subsistence consistent with the law and protect him every way, as a father his own son.
This ensures the prosperity of the company
When such a person ( recruit ) practises the Law ( righteous work ) every day under the protection of the king ( CEO ). it augments the king's life span ( it reduces the tension of CEO ), wealth and realm.

Works and wages
Even men living far away endear themselves to the world when they stick to the activity specific to each and carry out their activities.
Non-payment of wages
When an employee who is not sick fails to perform his stipulated work out of pride, he should be fined and should not be paid his wages.
If he was sick, he should perform the work stipulated at the outset after he has recovered his health and he should receive his wages even if a very long time has elapsed.
Whether he is sick or well, if he does not have the stipulated work carried out, he should be paid his wages, even if only a small portion of the work remains undone.
Breach of contract
When a man belonging to a village, region or corporate entity enters into a contract truthfully and then breaks it out of greed, the king ( CEO ) should banish that man from his realm.

Sales representative and his qualities
He ( King or CEO ) should also appoint an envoy. The representative must be an expert in all the treatises, able to grasp a hint, gesture meaning expert in soft skills, be honest and clever and from an illustrious family ( proper or good back ground ).A man who is loyal, honest and clever. One, who has a sharp memory and knows the right time and place and who is handsome, fearless and eloquent. Such a man is recommended as a king's envoy.

Organization of the state
Governance of villages and towns
He should station well - supervised constabularies in the middle of two, three and five villages, as also in the middle of one hundred villages for the protection of his realm.
He should appoint superintendents responsible for one village, for one hundred villages, and for one thousand villages.
Note- village symbozises departments in the company.

Problem solving method-
When troubles arise in a village, if the superintendent of that village is not able to solve them, he should , in due course, report them personally to the superintendent of ten villages, and he in turn, to the superintendent of twenty villages.
The superintendent of twenty villages should report to the superintendent of a hundred villages, and he in turn, should report them personally to the superintendent of a thousand villages If unsolved, the matter should be brought to the king.

Supervision of officials-
 Their activities pertaining to the villages, as well as those undertaken by each individually should be supervised vigilantly by another loyal officer of the king.
In each city, he should appoint a general manager of all affairs, a man of high stature and endowing him with powers like a planet among the stars. the king should always supervise himself those officials personally.

The king has to follow a planned schedule from morning to night, for carrying out the works efficiently.
He should get up early in the morning and sleep on time.
He should go to bed at proper time and rise up next day morning refreshed.

Moon- A glimpse from the Puranas

 Neil Armstrong had described his landing on the moon as ' One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind .' But words fail to describe when we find the innumerable anecdotes scattered in the texts of Puranas which unveil the undisputable scientific truths shrouding this beautiful planet.

As the Sun is the king of the day, so is the Moon queen of the night. Astronomically, the Moon is a mere secondary planet or satellite revolving round the earth once in 27 days at an average distance of 238,000 miles.
The Puranas throw a rich and varied light on this planet, its nature, size, birth and other details.

Nomenclature :-  According to Matsya Purana, Chandrama ( Moon) is derived from the root ' chand ' which connotes whiteness, nectar, cold and pleasant.
Nature  :-  Garuda Purana states that the Moon is calm. Matsya purana describes the shining mandala of Moon in the divine firmament as luminous, white, full of water ( scientists have detected water on the Moon ) and fire. It is beautiful like white pitcher.
Size and form  :-  Puranas like Matsya, Kurma refer to the size of the Moon as double that of the Sun. The chariot of the Moon has three wheels and is produced from the depth of the waters. It has ten white horses. It is a tradition in Sanskrit texts to depict Moon as a god ,that is why chariot and horses are described.
Birth :-
From the Sun -
 Matsya Purana mentions that from the Sun emanate the stars, planets and the Moon and they are preserved by him. It is by the Sushumna ray of the Sun that the Moon waxes again day by day.

From the milky ocean  -
 General traditional belief is that the Moon is one of the fourteen gems came out from the churning of the milky ocean .
A pauranic account runs that the Moon was partial towards the star Rohini when all the 27 stars, the daughters of Daksha prajapati were his wives. When the other daughters reported this special love to their father, the latter cursed the Moon to get afflicted by consumption ( kshaya roga ). Being thus cursed, he is said to have hid himself in the ocean and was taken out at the churning of the ocean

From the sage Atri -
  According to Puranas like Agni, Brahmanda and Markandeya, the Moon is said to have been born from the eye or mind of the sage Atri. There is another account which runs thus. Brahma, the creator caused the Moon to be produced from the eyes of Atri.At that time Lord Shiva and His consort Parvati became highly pleased to see the Moon. All the sages acknowledged Him as the Supreme Lord. Brahma created an illustrious Being and bedecked him with weapons. By the yogic glory of Brahma, that Being became still more lustrous emerged out as the Moon. By its lustre, the herbs in the world profusely thrived and the Moon became more radiant in the night and consequently the Moon came to be the sovereign of the herbs and the night.

Brahma and Skanda Puranas give the account with a slight variation.Atri was practising severe penance and gradually his whole body got full of Soma juice, the latter oozed ou from his eyes, illuminating the quarters profusely. The quarters ( dishas or directions ) however could not bear the lustre and let it fall down. Brahma, for the welfare of the world ,placed it on his chariot. Thus the Moon was born. When he circumambulated the earth, his lustre penetrated the earth and gave birth to various herbs. Brahma made him the king of herbs and night.

Waxing and waning of the Moon.

The Matsya Purana gives an interesting and a detailed note on this aspect. The Moon waxes and wanes according to his position with respect to the Sun.
In the bright fortnight, the Moon gets ahead of the Sun and whatever of him waned during the dark fortnight becomes filled up again, digit by digit, by the solar ray, day after day. Thus he becomes nourished by the one seed ray of the Sun named Sushumna. He becomes full and circular on the Full- Moon night. Similarly in the dark fort night, the Moon wanes daily from the second day till the fourteenth day after the Full moon. The waning is due to the fact that the deities drink up the soft sweet like honey, the excellent nectar of the Moon . Thus, drinking the nectar, the deities at the end of the fortnight go elsewhere on the Amavasya night ( new moon night ) when the pitrus ( manes or departed souls ) come and drink the 15th portion of the nectar of the Moon. The 16th part of the Moon is recognised as the junction of the two ( dark and bright ) fortnights, when the final waxing takes place and fresh waxing begins.

Moon and Amavasya -

According to a myth in the Skanda Purana, the Moon is said to be the recipient of a part of the fire from the fore head of Shiva. The Moon is said to be the 8th form of Shiva on the new moon day( Lord Shiva has eight forms namely the five elements, the Sun, the Moon and the sacrificer or yogi.). On the Amavasya day the Moon is believed to enter the plants, herbs and water and hence is not seen. Eating these plants and drinking this water cows and other animals produce milk. From milk are produced curd and ghee. This ghee from the sacrificial offerings reaches the Moon through the wind.
It is said that on this day the creeper or tree should not be cut, for, these are produce from the Moon.
The waxing period is associated with growth of plants.So seeds sown during this period or on full moon day always fructify as they are enriched with nourishing lunar rays.
The mythical base of Moon's waning is Daksha's curse. Daksha's curse made the Moon afflicted with consumption. When the Moon was afflicted, the growthof medicinal plants stopped. With the result, all  beings and things contracted consumption. When people began becoming thinner, the deities asked Chandra for an explanation and he told him all the details. They then sought the help of Daksha, who gave Chandra redemption from the curse for half of every month.

Chandra- the king of stars and medicinal plants

The milking of the earth mentioned in the various Puranas is nothing but symbolic of attainment of gains.
According to one version, the earth swallowed the medicinal herbs used at the sacrifices and holy rituals because kings disrespected her. On this act of the earth, Prthu, a noble and able king got angry and wanted to punish her. But the earth agreed to be milked and all types of herbs, corns were produced. Harivamsha refers to a legend according to which during the reign of emperor Prthu, he changed the Bhumidevi ( earth ) into a cow and milked her. It was Chandra who served as calf then. Pleased at this, Brahma crowned Chandra as the king of stars and medicinal plants.
 Tides and the Moon-
 Matsya Purana states that when the Moon rises in the east , the sea swells. The level of sea falls when the Moon wanes. The sea rises and falls, according to the phases of the Moon and 150 Angulis ( fingers length ) is the measure of its rise and fall, on the two parva days namely full moon and new moon.

Moon and the sea - mutual attraction - the strength of the Moon is the greatest.

According to Skanda Purana, the Moon which is the product of Atri and Anasuya is full of water. It is said that when the milky ocean was being churned, the Moon looked at it and was highly delighted. The  ocean also glanced at the Moon and got pleased. The Moon, hence, got nectar from the ocean into himself , before all gods got it. Seeing this, the gods waved a light ( nirajana) before him. They asked the sage Garga about the strength of the Moon. He said that the strength of the Moon is equal to that of all the gods and of all favourable planets. Hence to the Moon did  Jupiter, Mercury, the Sun, Venus, Saturn and others take resort. Hence it is that Chandrabala ( the strength of the Moon ) is said to be excellent for all auspicious occasions. When all the planets resort to the Moon, the auspicious occasion is termed Gomanta ( endowed with rays ) and it gives victory.

Moon and Rabbit-

Moon is called Shashanka meaning with the emblem of rabbit. Skanda Purana refers to the anecdote of the rabbit getting stuck into the orbit of the Moon. It is said that after the churning of the ocean, the gods got nectar. When they were drinking it, thousands of drops fell on the ground and also got mixed with water.There was a rabbit moving in the waters. When all the nectar was drunk by the gods, the Moon god, emaciated, came there and asked for it.As no nectar remained, the gods asked the Moon to drink the water mixed with nectar. The Moon drank it and also the rabbit. The Moon then got fattened and became lustrous. The place where this happened came to be known as the shashapana. This is a sacred place at Prabhasa. A dip here confers the fruits of a sacrifice and the world of Shiva.

Shiva and half-Moon-

 The Brahmavaivarta Purana has an interesting account about the Moon getting upon the head of Shiva. It is said that when the Moon suffered from consumption, he went to Shiva for shelter. Shiva placed him on his head. As the wives of the Moon wanted their husband back, Daksha, the father- in -law of the Moon came to Shiva and asked him to give the Moon back, which Shiva refused.Then Krishna assumed the form of an old brahmin and requested Lord Shiva to return Chandra. Shiva did not, as Chandra had come to him for shelter.So Krishna devised a plan, and in consultation with Shiva, he took out a part of Chandra and gave it to Daksha.So the half moon remained undiseased on the head of Shiva.

Lunar eclipse-
 Most of the Puranas mention the motif of Rahu ( node ) eating the nectar and reporting of luminaries ( Sun and Moon ) to Vishnu as the cause of the eclipse. When the Rahu catches the Moon ( on a full moon day only ), the eclipse is termed lunar. Taking food and indulging in worldly pleasures are prohibited during this period. Prayers are recommended. It is supposed to be a good time for initiation into mantras.

Moon- Mercury-

The legend of the Moon is marked with an important event namely the abduction of Tara, the wife of his preceptor Jupiter by him. From this union, Budha ( Mercury) was born.Because of this act, he is said to have become a leper or consumptive. Matsya Purana states that because of this sin, the Moon was called a papagraha ( sinful planet ).
Brahmavaivarta Purana refers to this motif and it is stated there that when her husband Jupiter refused to take her back, Tara cursed the Moon to be stained with sin and that one who looked at it would be sinful. the Moon performed severe penance and received a boon from Vishnu that he would be free from his sin for all times, except in the month of Bhadrapada, that too especially on the fourth day of the bright fortnight, if any one saw the Moon purposefully, the sin would go to him. The remedy to get away from the sin of looking at the Moon on this day is stated to be the recitation of specific verses with sipping of water which are given in the text.

There is yet another account in Skanda Purana which states that Brhaspati was responsible for bestowing the position of Indra to Nahusha and Yayati when Indra was still ruling. So Indrani ( Indra's wife ) cursed him, that due to this impropriety of behaviour on his part, some one else shall procreate a son on his wife. This accounts for carrying away of Brhaspati's wife by Soma, the Moon and procreating a son on her.

The allegory can have a scientific base also. It may mean that the terrestrial Moon went out of its orbit and attracted one of the Moons of Jupiter and thus disturbed the solar equilibrium which was brought to harmony again by the birth of Mercury ( Budha ). Moon must have had a bigger mass in those days.
This anecdote may be a hint at the shifting of starry calculation with reference to Jupiter (Brhaspatimana) to that the Moon ( Chandramana).
A hole seen on the Moon portends evil according to Agni Purana.

Generally, it is believed that the Sun and the Moon are the right and left eyes of Lord Shiva. Shiva gave half of his body to Uma, his consort( left portion). So the left eye the Moon is represented by the goddess. Hence the Moon is the karaka for mother in astrological predictions.

Another interesting note seen in the scriptures is that the mind is born from Chandrama.The entire human body is a product of natural elements only. The mental disturbances are closely connected with the phases of the Moon.Regarding the eccentricity of the mind, there is a beautiful saying, ' The lovers, poets and lunatics are of the same kind'.The mind is said to be highly turbulant on full moon day. Taking into account of this, ancient dharmashastras prescribe various devices to control the mind naturally. Each day is specific to a particular deity for worship like Monday for Shiva, Tuesday for Hanuman, Kartikeya, Goddess, Wednesday for Vishnu, Thursday for Dakshinamurthy, Friday for Lakshmi and other Goddesses, Saturday for Venkateshwara, Saturn and Hanuman. Almost on all full moon days some festivals are celebrated so that people concentrate on good things like going to temple, participating in prayers, dance, music etc. The in built social system was so good that personal and social welfare was always there.
With 24x7 work culture of today, the elaborate celebration is not possible.At least the spirit behind this can be absorbed.Devoting fifteen mnts for meditation in the morning and before going to bed will calm the mind. Slowly man can open his inner treasure and achieve a lot in this life. Here , the Mahabharata's saying is very apt.
' Mana eva karanam bandhamokshayoh '
Mind alone is the sole cause for bondage and freedom.

Rights and Duties Employer- Employee. - A glimpse from the Sanskrit Niti Shastras

 Indian culture asserts a deep underlying fundamental unity, which is profound in all types of relationship in the society. The bed rock of this unity is based on the achievement of good ( shreyas ) through mutual co-operation. It insists that every individual must be afforded the opportunity to manifest the best and unique in him.

Economically we are a co-operative concern where we give according to our capacity and take according to our needs. Duties and Rights are the two sides of the same coin. The economic prosperity depends on the cordial relationship between the Employer and the Employee. Sanskrit Niti Shastras throw valuable insights into this.

Qualities of a good employer

 The essential quality of a good master is the faculty to discern right from wrong. Other characteristics enumerated are courtesy, liberality and goodness especially when the labourer confesses a mistake.

On the otherhand, a bad employer lacking these qualities indulges in unreasonably overworking the employee in raising hopes not to be fulfilled and withholding wages in arrears.
Exploitation of labour is generally condemned. It is not right that the worker should go without recompense for his work. He should be rewarded with heart, voice and look.




Judged by these standards , employers have been classified into three groups- kind,severe and just.
A kind employer shows indulgence to his employees. He is severe who considers the virtues of his employees as faults and he is just who deals with them judiciously.

Qualities of an employee :-

The employee should do his work properly to his capacity and should not be jealous of other employees and take off the rights of others. He should not find faults in others, instead he should help them.
The basic quality expected of an employee is the utmost loyalty.
 It becomes the bounden duty of the employer to maintain the welfare of such an employee.

Keeping in mind the effiency and human nature, the employees have been classified into three kinds. Some are very slow, some are fast and some are medium. They should be assigned work and remuneration accordingly

Labour contract: wages
  The general rule in regard to wages is that the employee shall get the promised wages. Wages are to be paid for the work done, but not for work that is not done.
In case of non-payment of wages, the employer is expected to compensate by paying one tenth more to the employee or six panas ( currency of those days ) more.
For employee not doing the work after receiving the wages, the fine is twelve panas and detention till it is done.
In case, work is more done than agreed upon , he shall not make the effort vain. Wages are not to be withheld.
 Only a bad workman asks for wages in the course of the work and it is only a bad master that does not pay the labourers their wages for the work done.

  Working hours-
 For permanent employees, three hours during the day and nine hours during night are allowed for rest(for doing domestic work). For workers on daily wages, one and half hours rest during the day are allowed.
If the employee is ill for a week, his wages should not be curtailed. If ill for a long time, six months wages should be given to the employee. If the employee is on leave for a year, he may be allowed to have a substitute of his choice. The master should give the employee fifteen days a year respite from work.

Labour efficiency-

The efficiency of labour depends on a number of social and economic considerations. The workers have been divided into three classes- slow, ordinary and quick.Judged by another standard, the employees fall into three types- the best, of medium ability and the worst. The best care only for name. The second class desire both wealth and fame. The worst want only wealth.

The master should fix wages of his employees after weighing their comparative merits and qualifications scruplously. He should not assign responsibilities indiscriminately. When some one is found to be unworthy of the work entrusted to him, he should be replaced by a competent person from the apprentces who are qualified for the task.
As an officer becomes qualified for the higher and higher functions, he should be promoted in the ascending order. Shukraniti recommends the principle of rotation to prevent abuse and misuse of powers.

One of the tests of labour-efficiency mentioned is any special aptitude or skill that the employee may possess. The special attainments which gives a man his living and which are commended by others should be preserved and improved by the owner.
Another fact that accounts for labour efficiency is the workman's capacity for work, faithfulness, cheerfulness, thoroughness in work, uprightness and general contentment.
Experience also contributes to efficiency. The service of old and experienced workers should not be dispensed with unless it be for very grave faults.

The kind treatment accorded by the employers to the employees under them may go a long way to increase their efficiency.
Lastly, the efficiency of labour depends on the amount of the reward, the wages the workers get. The amount of wages was low, average or high according to the low or average or high quality of the employees' work in general. Wages were considered high if they adequately supplied food and clothing and allowed a comfortable living or ordinary or moderate if they supplied the indispensable food and clothing i.e necessaries for the employee and his dependents. Low wages maintained only one. Low wages are condemned. It is very interesting to note ' those who are paid low wages are enemies by nature. They become tools in the hands of others, they seek new opportunities and try to plunder other people.' They should be motivated to work hard and earn more.
The master should give prizes, bonus etc apart from wages.

The prosperity of the organization depended on the proper division of labour. Efficiency is the true criterion of division. A careful employer will put the right men in the right place for the success of the enterprise depends on whether workmen like ornaments are used properly.

The striking factor to be noted is the importance given to written documents in Shukraniti. The officer or employee is not to do anything without the master's written order, nor should the master command anything, great or small without written order as the written document is the best guide, for to err is human.Both the master who commands without writing and the officer who does anything without written order are thieves.

Labour union-

 The evils and problems arising between the employer and the employed were lessened in two ways- by active governmental legislation and by organization among the employees so as to safeguard their position and to stand in union against exploitation of them by the employers.

The power of these 'guilds ' were administrative and financial. The rights of appeal lay from these unions to the king's officers. Another restriction on the administrative function of these was that they were not allowed jurisdiction in certain cases like robbery and theft.
These guilds had deposits of money invested by the members to serve in times of distress. These unions had an able leader who could be relied upon and with whom these deposits may be entrusted.
These guilds acted like trade unions of modern times.

Insurance and pension=

      The deposits of the guilds served the workmen in times of distress. The general rule appears to have been that the employer was not authorised to cut off wages in times of calamity. The master should tend them in their sickness. The efficient workmen should in addition have 1/8 of their wages as bonus every year. An institution similar to a provident fund is also in evidence in Shukraniti. The employer is advised to keep with him as deposit 1/6 or 1/4 of the employee's wages and to pay 1/2 of that amount or the whole in two or three years. When the employee dies in service, his son should be offered the job with the same salary or according to his ( son's ) qualifications. At the time of retirement after forty years of service, the employee may have half his wages as pension for life and pension in some cases may be extended to the members of his family also.

Thus laying emphasis on the rapport and harmonious relations between the king and his employees, Shukra concludes that where the servants and the king both are in good order, there wealth is permanent, extensive and always in plenty.

Man is the same in all ages. Articles 23, 24 and 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaimed by the General assembly of United Nations on tenth December, 1940 echo the same principles such as the right to work under just favourable conditions, right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limltation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay, employee's right to form and join trade unions for the protection of his interests, right to a standard living adequate for the health and well being of himself and his family, including food. clothing, housing and medical care and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, old age and lack of other livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.

It is very delighting and refreshing to note that the rules quoted in the Sanskrit Niti Shastras like Kautilya's Arthashastra, Shukra's Shukraniti and Hitopadesha appear to be considerably in advance of the age in which they were laid down and show many traits of modern economic ideas on the problem of labour and capital.