Reflections on Governance, Humility, and Moral Character
When thoughtful, principled governance takes root after years of hardship, peace returns to daily life. Households feel secure, small businesses and weekly bazaars function without fear, and a quiet sense of cultural dignity returns to the community.
In the second half of his letter (Verses 8 to 15), Samarth Ramdas Swami observes this restoration of order and shares timeless guidance on administrative restraint, modesty, and safeguarding one’s good name.
The Concluding Eight Verses
देव धर्म गोब्राह्मण । करावया संरक्षण ।
हृदयस्थ जाला नारायण । प्रेरणा केली ॥ ८ ॥
Dev dharma go-brahman | Karavaya sanrakshan |
Hrudayasth jaala Narayan | Prerana kelee || 8 ||
The saint notes that Shivaji’s mission arose not from petty ambition or personal vanity. In classical Indian thought, Go-Brahman symbolised the agrarian rhythm of village life—the cattle that sustained the peasant and the custodians of cultural learning. Ramdas Swami observes that the Divine dwelt within the king’s conscience, inspiring him to protect the innocent, preserve cultural heritage, and uphold righteous living.
उदंड पंडित पुराणिक । कवीश्वर याज्ञिक वैदिक ।
धूर्त तार्किक सभानायक । तुमच्या ठायीं ॥ ९ ॥
Udand pandit puranik | Kaveeshwar yadnyik vaidik |
Dhoort tarkik sabhanayak | Tumchya thaayi || 9 ||
A society is truly rich when it respects knowledge. Shivaji Maharaj provided a welcoming shelter for poets, scholars, learned elders, sharp debaters (Tarkik), and able administrators, recognising genuine merit and character above all external considerations.
या भूमंडळाचें ठायीं । धर्म रक्षी ऐसा नाहीं ।
महाराष्ट्रधर्म राहिला कांहीं । तुम्हांकरितां ॥ १० ॥
Yaa bhoomandalache thaayi | Dharma rakshi aisa naahi |
Maharashtra-dharma rahila kaanhi | Tumhakarita || 10 ||
Here the preceptor invokes Maharashtra Dharma—the shared spirit of self-respect, moral courage, and mutual harmony among all sections of society. In an era when many compromised their values for small personal estates and titles, Shivaji Maharaj’s steadfastness preserved this collective dignity.
आणीकही धर्मकृत्यें चालती । आश्रित होऊन कित्येक राहती ।
धन्य धन्य तुमची कीर्ति । विश्वीं विस्तारली ॥ ११ ॥
Aanik-hi dharmakrutye chalati | Aashrit houn kityek rahati |
Dhanya dhanya tumchi keerti | Vishwi vistaarli || 11 ||
The real measure of good governance lies in whether ordinary life proceeds smoothly. Under Shivaji’s administration, religious observances continued peacefully, honest trades thrived, and vulnerable families found safe sustenance. When noble work is steady, an honourable reputation travels naturally across the land without any self-advertisement.
कित्येक दुष्ट संहारिले । कित्येकांस धाक सुटले ।
कित्येकांस आश्रय जाले । शिव कल्याण राजा ॥ १२ ॥
Kityek dusht sanhaarile | Kityekas dhaak sutle |
Kityekas aashray jaale | Shiv Kalyaan Raja || 12 ||
Sound administration requires a balanced approach: firm discipline to deter wrongdoers and corrupt officials, combined with protective care for law-abiding citizens. This blend of justice and compassion made him a true Kalyan Raja—a ruler dedicated to the holistic well-being of all.
तुमचे देशीं वास्तव्य केलें । परंतु वर्तमान नाहीं घेतलें ।
ऋणानुबंधें विस्मरण जालें । काय नेणूं ॥ १३ ॥
Tumche deshi vastavya kele | Parantu vartamaan naahi ghetale |
Runaanubandhe vismaran jaale | Kaay nenu || 13 ||
Here we witness the saint’s disarming modesty. Despite his revered standing, Ramdas Swami writes with genuine warmth: “I have lived here in your realm for so long, yet I did not formally enquire after your welfare. Perhaps our spiritual bond (Runaanubandha) was so close and natural that formal social visits were forgotten.” It reflects how completely free the saint was from self-importance.
सर्वत्र मंडळी धर्ममूर्ति । सांगणें काय तुम्हांप्रति ।
धर्मस्थापनेची कीर्ति । संभाळली पाहिजे ॥ १४ ॥
Sarvatra mandali dharmamoorti | Saangane kaay tumhaaprati |
Dharmasthapanechi keerti | Sambhalali paahije || 14 ||
Acknowledging that the king was already guided by wise and upright counselors, the saint offers one crucial piece of elder guidance: An honourable name is earned through decades of dedicated effort; preserving it calls for continuous, lifelong mindfulness.
उदंड राजकारण तटलें । तेणें चित्त विभागिलें ।
प्रसंग नसतां लिहिलें । क्षमा केली पाहिजे ॥ १५ ॥
Udand raajkaaran tatale | Tene chitta vibhaagile |
Prasang nasataa lihile | Kshama keli paahije || 15 ||
The letter concludes with exemplary courtesy: “You are preoccupied with grave affairs of state, your attention divided across pressing matters. If this unexpected letter has taken your valuable time, kindly excuse me.” A touching example of mutual respect between two great souls.
A Quiet Closing Thought
As we look back upon these verses in our contemplative years, they offer gentle companions for our own journey:
Selfless Service without Show / Noise: True contentment comes from Paropakara—supporting our family, neighbours, and community with the steady patience of a Shrimant Yogi, without seeking public praise.
Firmness with Kindness: Like a Kalyan Raja, we must remain firm on ethical principles, while keeping our speech and nature kind and accessible to those around us.
Preserving What Matters Most: Material possessions and status fluctuate with time. But as Samarth Ramdas Swami reminds the king in Verse 14, an upright life and a spotless name (Keerti) are our most enduring legacy. They must be nurtured through daily mindfulness.
|| Jay Jay Raghuveer Samarth ||
