Hinduism And Astha Brata

2. Sources of Ksatria

2.1. Hinduism and Astha Brata

It is begun with Hinduism. It furnished a sense of kindness to give others, including giving an open-hearted attitude, which is a quiet submission to the inevitable. The ultimate goal is to seek for Mokhsa, which has everlasting happiness that is free from suffering. Material transient can get people happiness but is followed with anguish, filled with uncertainty, disaster, loss, grief, shame, fear, pain, brittle, dirt, disease, and lead to death. (Smith, 2000) In order to reach Mokhsa, there are 3 main paths collectively known as margas: jnana-marga (the way of insight or knowledge), bhakti-marga (the way of devotion) and karma-marga (the way of action). However, since Hinduism believes on

However, in the era of empires, Ksatria is the name given to national heroes, mostly kings, princes, prime ministers and military leaders. A Ksatria lives based on codes of conduct known as Astha Brata that is written in many Sanskrit literatures, such as The Ramayana, Ramajarwa, Nitisruti, Tumuruning Wahyu Maya and Makutharama. (Endraswara, 2013). In a grip, Astha Brata is discussed in one of the stories in The Ramayana. Astha Brata comes from the word Hastha, which means “eight” and Brata, which means “conduct” (Suyama, 2008). Astha Brata is a philosophy which consists of eight codes of an ideal leader, which are adopted from characters of the eight gods (Surya, Chandra, Kartika, Indra, Bayu, Baruna, Dahana, Kisma). In the story, Rama Wijaya gave Astha Brata to Wibisana before he became the king of Alengka Kingdom. In the Mahabharata, Astha Brata was delivered to a ksatria in certain chapter, such as in the chapter of Wahyu Makutharama, Ksatria Arjuna received wisdom of the leadership from Rama Wijaya, which then known as the 8 elements of Astha Brata. The eight behaviors of a leader based on Astha Brata are as follows. (Endraswara, 2013)

1. “Laku hambeging surya”

The character of Surya or sun is exemplified by Bhatara Surya. Leadership is about people. The best leaders wear their hearts on their sleeves and are not afraid to show their vulnerability. They genuinely care about other people and spend their days developing

“Laku hambeging chandra”

Character of Chandra or the Moon is exemplified by Bhatari Ratih. Moon emits light the darkness of night. Soft moonlight cultivates the spirit and wonderful expectations. A leader should be able to provide encouragement or motivation to evoke the spirit of its people in an atmosphere of joy and sorrow.

3. “Laku hambeging kartika”

Character Kartika or Star is exemplified by Bhatara Ismoyo. Stars emit beautiful light sheen. A star has the right spot in the sky as a navigation to help people finding their directions. A leader should “Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo (give examples when in the front), Ing Madyo Mangun Karso (in the middle build up the spirit), and Tut Wuri Handayani (supervise and support from behind).

4. “Laku hambeging indra”

The fourth character is Indra or sky, which is exemplified by Bhatara Indra. The sky was vast infinite, which can accommodate anything that came its way. A leader should have a breadth of mind and a strong ability to control himself, and patiently be able to accommodate opinions from his people.

5. “Laku hambeging