In
this text the great Rishi of the Upanishads emphasizes that Dharma is essential to ensure
the stability of society, not by the strength and power of the ruler or of the state, but
by the inherent effect of self-control, exercised by every individual in his observance of
Dharma. Though, having the power of a giant the strong man does not use it like a giant
against the weak and avoids wrong and injustice to others.
In this way, the exercise of self-control and
observance of his duties by every individual to his fellow-beings free human society from
the strong man's tyranny, the opperessor's wrongs and the proud man's contumely. In his
commentary on this text Sankaracharya, makes a very significant observation explaining why
Prajapati the creator felt that his work of creating humanity was not complete, but
proceeded to create Dharma over and above the ruler or the Kshatriya
"On account of the uncertainty of the Kshatriyas power due
to his coercive and oppressive character." For it is not always that the race is to
the swift or the battle to the strong, and survival is not always of the fittest.
Therefore, the Lord suspected the mere creation of a governing class will not alone be
sufficient for the maintenance of the stability of society and of the world order. That
state is governed best, which is least governed. |
