Sramana 2014 04

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

Page 66

The Concept of an Ideal Leader... 61 state is not for the sake of leader as in Fascism, but it is an instrument to help people achieve the goal of human life (puruṣārthas).
The ruler is asked to be just and humane and to be devoted to the public good. He was to rely on learning and advice and seek consultation. No emphasis of any kind is placed on the personal aspect of the sovereignty. It is not something to be enjoyed by aggrandizement or exactions or lavish expenditure. It is primarily a matter of public duty, a form of moral life.
The above said duties of a ruler or leader (the king and the ministers), to protect and nourish the subject, imply something more than mere protection of persons and their property. It means successful accomplishment of an object and the peaceful and undisturbed enjoyment of that object, for well-being and welfare. Acārya Hemacandra follows the Jain tradition but recognises existing social reality. His Laghvarhannīti is not addressed specifically to a Jain king. It presents what would have been generally acceptable in those days but temper it with the wisdom of Jain tradition.
The message of Acarya Hemacandra, bereft of all external embellishments, can be summed up in a few words- 'develop character and self-control, be ceaselessly active, be fearless and endlessly strive to attain your objectives.' This is a message ageless in quality, inspiring both individuals and nations, a message which has come from the lips of great leaders, of all countries and climes, who have led their countrymen from darkness to light, slavery to freedom and from poverty to prosperity.
References:
1.
Kumārapālakṣmäpälägraheṇa pūrvanirmitāt/ Arhannītyabhidhāt Sastrātsāramuddhṛtya kiñcana//6// Bhuprajahitārtham hi sighrasmṛtividhāyakam/ Laghvarhannītisacchastram sukhabodham karomyaham//7//
--Laghvarhanniti, 1/6-7 quoted from Laghvarhanniti, Translation (Hindi), Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, National Mission for Manuscripts, New Delhi and New Bharati Book Corporation, New Delhi, 2013, P.2