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KrishnaNiti: Timeless Strategic Wisdom
How often have you been advised to follow the teachings of Krishna but wondered what those teachings were? Krishna-Niti: Timeless Strategic Wisdom brings forth eleven of the most important lessons delivered by Krishna at critical junctures in the Mahabharata. These practical lessons are different from the spiritual wisdom imparted to Arjuna in the celebrated Bhagavad- Gita. Whether negotiating for peace between the Kauravas and Pandavas, resolving internal conflicts in the Pandava camp, or inspiring Yudhishthira to rule as a Dharmaraja (righteous ruler) at the end of the Kuruskshetra war, Krishna emerges as the strategist par excellence, who is as worldly wise as he is spiritually enlightened.
Krishna’s instructions cover a wide range of subjects, including ethics, strategy, governance, policy, and above all dharma. However, throughout its wide scope, Krishna-Niti is governed by an underlying worldview, which can be summarised as jnana-karma-samuchchaya, or the right combination of knowledge and action to achieve the fourfold goals of human life. Krishna argues that karma is essential to life and natural order. Steadfastness in one’s karma is the key to the attainment of one’s goals whether material or spiritual. Escapism or inaction is not an option, neither is indecisiveness stemming from unending intellectual debates. In no case should one abandon one’s duty by citing a lack of good options.
Krishna’s role in the Mahabharata is not just as a knower of dharma (dharmajna) but as its upholder and institutor (dharma-samsthapaka). Therefore, unlike other great works on niti, Krishna’s instructions are not theoretical but have an immediate relation to the situation at hand. His guidance is always delivered to a particular character in the epic, especially in moments of crisis, internal dissension, or war. This implies that we get to see the principles of Krishna-Niti in action throughout the epic.
The authors, Kushagra Aniket and Nityananda Misra, draw upon their extensive research into the Mahabharata to present a unique gem of Nitishastra that is distilled from the quintessential Itihasa of India. They analyse Krishna’s practical wisdom through his interventions on numerous occasions. Rooted in the vision of the epic, Krishna-Niti: Timeless Strategic Wisdom paints the authentic picture of Krishna as a statesman— an enduring image that is deeply relevant to our times.
Krishna’s instructions cover a wide range of subjects, including ethics, strategy, governance, policy, and above all dharma. However, throughout its wide scope, Krishna-Niti is governed by an underlying worldview, which can be summarised as jnana-karma-samuchchaya, or the right combination of knowledge and action to achieve the fourfold goals of human life. Krishna argues that karma is essential to life and natural order. Steadfastness in one’s karma is the key to the attainment of one’s goals whether material or spiritual. Escapism or inaction is not an option, neither is indecisiveness stemming from unending intellectual debates. In no case should one abandon one’s duty by citing a lack of good options.
Krishna’s role in the Mahabharata is not just as a knower of dharma (dharmajna) but as its upholder and institutor (dharma-samsthapaka). Therefore, unlike other great works on niti, Krishna’s instructions are not theoretical but have an immediate relation to the situation at hand. His guidance is always delivered to a particular character in the epic, especially in moments of crisis, internal dissension, or war. This implies that we get to see the principles of Krishna-Niti in action throughout the epic.
The authors, Kushagra Aniket and Nityananda Misra, draw upon their extensive research into the Mahabharata to present a unique gem of Nitishastra that is distilled from the quintessential Itihasa of India. They analyse Krishna’s practical wisdom through his interventions on numerous occasions. Rooted in the vision of the epic, Krishna-Niti: Timeless Strategic Wisdom paints the authentic picture of Krishna as a statesman— an enduring image that is deeply relevant to our times.
234 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2024
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About the author
Nityananda Misra
11 books53 followersNityananda Misra is an IIM Bangalore graduate who works as a quantitative analyst in the investment banking industry. He is passionate about Indian culture, especially classical and medieval Indian literature, classical and folk Indian music, and traditional fine arts and performing arts of India. He is an amateur researcher, editor, and author in the field of Hinduism and Indology. He has edited, translated, or authored seven books so far in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English on Hindu religion, philosophy, and spirituality. He designs and typesets his books himself.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 10, 2025
Krishna Niti is a unique and interesting collection of extracts from the Mahabharata, which display Krishna’s perspectives, quotes and other recommendations.
The book is simple to read, applicable in the modern world, and opines on many issues of conduct, through the medium of Krishna, which also gives niche excerpts from the Mahabharata a spotlight.
A quick read, yet very dense in profoundness, this is a good read for those looking to see religion in a manner which is both authentic as well as modern. There is no compromise on either.
A must read for all.
9/10
The book is simple to read, applicable in the modern world, and opines on many issues of conduct, through the medium of Krishna, which also gives niche excerpts from the Mahabharata a spotlight.
A quick read, yet very dense in profoundness, this is a good read for those looking to see religion in a manner which is both authentic as well as modern. There is no compromise on either.
A must read for all.
9/10
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August 26, 2024Finished just before Janmashtami, talk about Bhagavan mandated timing. Some very pertinent, insightful insights from Sri Krishna not from the BhagavadGita per se, but the magnum opus that is the Mahabharata. But felt slightly shortchanged/let down by the length of the book, wanted even more and more discursive analysis.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews