What are Good Lessons from the Mahabharata to Help Improve Ourselves?

This article delves into the Mahabharata through a unique lens, exploring the lessons beyond the conventional moral storytelling. By revisiting a well-known story of Dronacharya and his archers, we gain a broader understanding of the dynamics involved in leadership and personal development.

Birds Eye View – A Tale of Focus and Holistic Thinking

There's a famous episode in the Mahabharata where Dronacharya placed a bird on a tree and asked his students to shoot the bird with a single arrow. Each student was asked, "What are you looking at?" Arjuna, the only one to answer correctly, was the one who pierced the bird's eye in one shot.

While the conventional narrative highlights the importance of focus and laser-sharp concentration, this story also reveals a deeper lesson about big-picture thinking and 360-degree vision. The answers provided by Yudhisthira and Duryadhona, despite not being deemed successful in the initial test, offer valuable insights into the responsibilities of a leader.

Yudhisthira and Duryadhona's Response

When Dronacharya asked, "What are you looking at?" Yudhisthira and Duryadhona both answered: "I see the students, the tree, the bird, and other real birds on the tree." This response indicates their ability to see the bigger picture and consider the broader context of the situation. They recognized the interconnectedness of all elements and the potential impact of their actions on others.

These responses demonstrate that, as future kings, it is essential to have a holistic view of their responsibilities. Yudhisthira and Duryadhona were expected to provide protection, govern, and groom their younger subjects for the future. Their answers reflect their understanding that a king must consider the well-being of all subjects, not just the immediate task at hand.

Arjuna's Perspective

In contrast, Arjuna, as a warrior, needed to focus on his singular task. He did not need to take a 360-degree look, as his role was to implement the decisions made by the king. His answer, "I am looking at the bird's eye only," was a testament to his single-minded focus and ability to execute a precise task.

Birds Eye View Leadership

The term "birds eye view" has two meanings. The first is the focus and singular attention required to achieve a specific goal. The second is the panoramic perspective gained from a high vantage point. Just like a bird, a leader must balance both views.

When in a position of authority, a leader must consider all relevant factors and make informed decisions. Yudhisthira and Duryadhona were trained to think in this manner, understanding that their decisions would affect their subjects. They were not concerned with fighting on the frontlines but rather with strategic decision-making and management.

Lessons from the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata teaches us that leadership requires a balance between focus and holistic thinking. It is important to be attuned to the task at hand but also to consider the broader picture. The story of Dronacharya and his archers highlights the need for leaders to:

Focus: Execute precise tasks with laser-sharp concentration, as Arjuna did. Holistic Thinking: Consider the bigger picture and the impact of decisions on all stakeholders, as Yudhisthira and Duryadhona did.

This balanced approach ensures that leaders can both achieve immediate objectives and manage long-term strategic planning effectively.

Conclusion

By revisiting the Mahabharata through this lens, we can gain valuable insights into leadership and personal development. The story teaches us that true success lies in balancing focus on the task at hand with a broader awareness of the impact of our actions.

So, the next time you're faced with a decision, consider the Mahabharata lessons and strive to find the right balance between singular focus and holistic thinking.

Remember, "The closer you look, the less you see." Learn to see the big picture and achieve true success.