Mahabharata Unravelled - II: The Dharma Discourses

by Ami Ganatra

The first volume of Mahabharata Unravelled covered the itihasa of our ancestors true to the narration of Rishi Veda Vyasa. But the Mahabharata is more than a story of the past. It has extensive discourses on ethics, personal and social interaction, administration, jurisprudence and related topics, in the form of conversations. For instance, the Shanti Parva, the largest of the 18 parvas, is a treatise on Raja Dharma. Advice on the responsibilities and duties of leaders and administrators is imparted to Yudhishthira by Bhishma from his bed of arrows on the field of war. Then there is a profound dialogue between Dhritarashtra and the erudite Vidura that appears in Udyoga Parva, popularly known as Vidura Neeti. Likewise, there is a thought-provoking story narrated by Rishi Markandeya to the Pandavas of a meat-seller who teaches dharma to a Brahmin named Kaushika.

In this book, Ami Ganatra highlights the most important lessons from the Dharma discourses found in the Mahabharata. Their teachings hold true even in current times, perhaps more so than ever.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Nonfiction, Mythology

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2023

About the author

Management professional with ~15+ years consulting and business management experience across sectors, capabilities and geographies having worked across four continents in various capacities viz. Asia, Europe, South and North America. Currently, working with organizations in the social impact space.

Beyond work, she blogs on travel, Yoga, Shashtra and other things on https://dharmorakshtirakshitah.wordpr...

Reviews

[Shantanu Patnaik · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Felt repetitive especially all the inputs from Bheesma and Vidur on being a King and its responsibility

[_booksagsm · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the First volume of Mahabharat Unravelled talks about the history of our ancestors as per the narration of Rishi Veda Vyasa, the Mahabharat Unravelled - II: The Dharma Discourses by Ami Ganatra is a continuation of the exploration and analysis of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. I have been thinking for a week now on how to post a review which will do justice to the book, and all I can say -"Go read the book."

In "Mahabharata Unravelled II," Ami Ganatra delves into the complex concept of dharma, illustrating how it varies based on context, individual roles, and situations. The book explores the fine line between dharma and adharma, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. Through discussions on the relationship between karma and dharma, as well as the philosophical teachings found in the epic, Ganatra emphasizes that dharma is a guiding principle for decision-making and leadership. This nuanced exploration encourages readers to reflect on their own ethical principles and the challenges of living a righteous life.

The book is sectioned in 7 parts. I am particularly in awe of the section Vidura Niti and the last section Swargarohana: The Ascent to Heaven.
It says- "All kings, however great, have to go through this hell experience in some measure. People accumulate two kinds of karma, based on their good and bad actions. One doesn't cancel out the other. Hence, even if one kind of karma is significantly more, the consequences of the other karma have to be borne. If the good dominates, the person first faces the fruits of the not-so-good actions, briefly, before enjoying the fruits of the good karma.'

It is a book you will find yourself returning to time and again, as the profound knowledge it imparts cannot be fully grasped in a single reading. As we grow and gain wisdom via life experiences, revisiting a book like this enriches our understanding and changes our perspective.

[Saloni (earnestlyeccentric) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Essentially a discussion of the philosophy underlying the Mahabharata.

I really slogged through this book which surprised me because I had absolutely blazed through the first book. A lot of this book consisted of lists of things that were considered "good" and "bad" in a person and a lot of it was, unsurprisingly, repetitive. I knew that this was going to be more of analysis of dharma and ethics but I suppose part of me longed for there to be more story in this book. I loved the last chapter about Yudhishthira's ascent to heaven.

This book did clarify one thing that I had read in the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita states that you have to surrender the consequences of your actions to God. If that's the case, surely it's easy for criminals (for example) to say that God had worked through them. Ganatra says that it's about the intention behind our actions. So, using my criminal example, if they were motivated by greed or jealousy or vengeance, they're no longer acting as God would have wished.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Mahabharata Unravelled II: The Dharma Discourse is a compilation of the various dharma sutras (guidelines) mentioned in the ithihasa by different characters. The author not only structured them in a neat order but also simplified the lessons/ rules to make them reader-friendly.

Additionally, the author provided comparisons and explanations wherever necessary. I love the multiple references and examples of Chanakya’s works and how his lessons (as well as the ones from our scriptures) are useful even today. If only the governments were sensible enough to follow them properly!

Even if you haven’t read the Mahabharata or the first book, I would recommend reading this one, especially if you are interested in the various forms of dharma and want to know what the term actually means. Moreover, the book would be useful for those in corporate/ entrepreneurship/ politics/ and just about anywhere in life.

[Malhar Sawant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done with this, and all I can say is it is on another level and a must-read. 

Last year I had read both the Ramayana Unravelled and Mahabharata Unravelled and liked them both. Mahabharata Unravelled 2 - The Dharma Discourses mainly focuses on the subject of Dharma, as the name suggests, rather than giving the summary of the war or the entire epic, unlike the other two previous books. Rather, we get a thorough understanding of dharma from the epic's greatest warriors and thinkers, like Bhisma, Krishna, and Vidura.

Having a summarized understanding of the Mahabharata, I was well versed with the thought processes of Vidura and Bhishma, but what I loved most about the book was Dharmavyadha's chapter; a story showing that even the simplest of human beings can impart the biggest life lessons.

On a personal level, this book came at the right time for me, as since the new year, I have had a little lapse of discipline in personal and professional life. Today, as a new week starts, I shall resume my journey, taking lessons from these discourses. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ without a doubt. Thank you, Ami Ganatra.

[Emrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's clarity on the concept of dharma is truly commendable. I'm deeply grateful to her for making this divine knowledge so accessible to readers. Just as with her first book, I found myself learning so much from this second one. I foresee myself revisiting the stories and insightful clarifications time and again in the future.

[Soujendra Patra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The biggest Parva (chapter) of Mahabharat- Shanti Parva. It beautifully explains what a man like Bhishma who gained knowledge through extraordinary teachers and years of experience. Note- Shanti Parva has a great impact on indian history with many texts inspired from it directly.
Shanti Parva is itself a kinda summary of different Moral codes of life from Hindu Scriptures.

[Khyati J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only kind of self help book I’d ever read or recommend someone.

Absolutely engaging and drenching in wisdom, in an unassuming way. It includes Raj Dharma, Apada dharma, Vidura Niti, Kama Geeta, vyadh Geeta, yaksha prashna and swargarohan. Grateful to Ami Ganatra for compiling all these invaluable discourses on Dharma in one book and it is very well researched.

[Sanskriti Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this book. This book is a must read for someone who aspires to be a leader. It explores the nuances of dharma and adharma. I picked this book because i wanted to read about vidur niti but I fell in love with bhishma discourse on dharma.

[Gripping Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

In awe of the author's clarity and lucidity on Dharma!!! What a diamond of a book!!!

[Utkarsh Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read on the nuances of Dharma and conduct

[Sakthieesvar Meenakshi Sundaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

[Jay Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read, especially for those who are in or aspire to be in leadership positions. The book dives into, as the title suggests, the lessons on Dharma from the epic, exploring various conversations (mainly with Yudhishthira) like Bheeshma with Yudhishthira, Maharishi Narada's Inquiry, Yaksha Prashna, Vyaadha Geeta, and much more.
I already had a bit of background on the book as I have watched many interviews/podcasts of Ami Ganatra ji and recently had the pleasure of meeting her in person. She brings a lot of insights from these epics and beautifully ties them to the contemporary discourse.
Compared to the first one, which is also a good one for even teenagers, this might be a bit heavy read for that age group. But still, it's a good book to gift someone. Definitely recommended!

[Shivam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the first