Geethartha Chinthane 75: Prudent planning to prevent anarchy

When a national leader dies, their passing is only made public after a successor has been appointed to avoid creating a power vacuum and potential chaos. In ancient times, authority was typically transferred to the clan elder. Even though Dhritarashtra was blind, he was given respect but not full authority, underscoring that succession was based on readiness rather than sentiment.

A father’s property is distributed among his children based on lineage, not personal bias, to prevent disputes and maintain order. Responsibilities, including property, protection, and governance, were traditionally predetermined to safeguard continuity and prevent scarcity.

If societal order collapses due to unfulfilled duties, dharma (righteousness) itself risks erosion, paving the way for adharma (unrighteousness) to spread. Observing this emphasizes the structured role of castes, showcasing an integral facet of the caste system. This structured approach is also why temple traditions have persisted. Different clans were designated specific roles, fostering a balanced division of responsibilities that ultimately preserves harmony in society.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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