Vasumana
Vasumana was a king described in the Śānti Parva of the Mahābhārata. He was jñānavān (a person of wisdom), dhṛtimān (a person of steadiness) and pious, and he wished to know how to stay always in dharma. The ṛshi Vāmadeva taught him the Vāmadeva Gītā, a teaching of three chapters (92–94).
His qualities
The text describes Vasumana by three qualities. He possessed true knowledge (jñānavān). He possessed steadiness and firmness of mind (dhṛtimān). He was dharmaśīla, pious in his conduct.
The teaching he received
Vasumana asked Vāmadeva what qualities a king must have, and how he must act, if he wishes always to stay in dharma. Vāmadeva answered at length in the Vāmadeva Gītā. Its main points are these:
- Dharma comes before artha (wealth and gain) in every case. If the order is reversed, both are lost.
- The king’s conduct is the pattern for his whole kingdom. His own dharma spreads outward from him.
- Four things destroy a king: recklessness, praise of himself, being unable to protect, and having no teachers of dharma.
- A king is kept firm by taking good counsel, being free from envy, mastering the senses, and balancing severity with gentleness.
- Svadharma (one’s own duty) must be kept even when paradharma (another’s duty) seems easier or more praiseworthy.
Where the account is told
Bhīshma tells the Vāmadeva Gītā to Yudhishṭhira as something Vāmadeva once taught to Vasumana.
Sources
- Mahābhārata, Śānti Parva, Rājadharmānuśāsana Parva, Chapters 92–94