Sramana 2014 04

Author(s): Ashokkumar Singh, Rahulkumar Singh, Omprakash Singh
Publisher: Parshvanath Vidhyashram Varanasi

Page 60

The Concept of an Ideal Leader ... : 55 According to Ācārya Hemacandra, the seven constituents (Sapta Prakrti) of a state are: 1. The king (rājā), 2. Councillors, ministers and other key officials (amātya and
mantri), 3. Territory of the state along with its citizens (janapada), 4. Fortified town and cities (durga), 5. Treasury (kośa), 6. Army (sainya) and 7. Allies (mitra).
He emphasized that sovereignty, administration, war and diplomacy constitute the principal aspects of political activity. The period of Ācārya Hemacandra was that of monarchy or oligarchy, hence the king was the pivot round which the whole state machinery revolved and personality of the king was the most important element in shaping the state.
In order to build a state, which fulfilled the conditions of a welfare state, that is to say, which accomplished the yogakşema of its inhabitants, the king should be a leader with certain attributes. Ācārya Hemacandra describes the wise king or leader as follows, “A king, who wants his own welfare, should never derail from the path of Nīti”; one who:
i. has self-control, ii. has conquered the inimical temptations of the senses, iii. has cultivated the intellect by association with elders, iv. always keeps his eyes open through spies, v. is ever vigilant in promoting the security and welfare of the people, vi. ensures the observance (by the people) of their dharma by authority and examples,