Mitrasaṃprāpti: The Art of Friendship in Pañcatantra

Module 1

Introduction to Pañcatantra

• 13 Dec - Arthaśāstra and IKS

  Indian knowledge systems possess a unique pedigree that makes them the most relevant. This session explores the construct, chief features, and uniqueness of IKS and its relevance by comprehending Arthaśāstra's position in the IKS.

• 14 Dec - Pañcatantra and Arthaśāstra

  This session aims to give an overview of Pañcatantra by analyzing its format and the value tantras hold in general, as well as Pañcatantra’s position in the propagation of Arthaśāstra.

Module 2

The Debate on Friendship

• 20 Dec - Fundamentals of Friendship

  This session explores the basic principles necessary for forming friendships. It brings in the conversation between two chief characters of the Mitrasaṃprāpti tantra – Laghupatanaka and Hiraṇyaka.

• 21 Dec - Dhana and Dāna – Two Determining Factors of Friendship - 1

  This session explores the significance of wealth with respect to friendship through the stories of Somilaka narrated in Mitrasaṃprāpti tantra. It also explores the possibility of juxtaposing wealth and its sacrifice in the sustenance of friendship.

• 27 Dec - Dhana and Dāna – Two Determining Factors of Friendship - 2

  This session explores the significance of wealth with respect to friendship through the stories of Somilaka narrated in Mitrasaṃprāpti tantra. It also explores the possibility of juxtaposing wealth and its sacrifice in the sustenance of friendship. 

Module 3

Circumstantial Friendships

• 28 Dec - Value and Validity of Friendship

  This session explores the deep connection between Pañcatantra and statecraft by analyzing the stories of Mitrasaṃprāpti and drawing comparisons with bilateral diplomatic relations of states.

• 3 Jan - Mitrasaṃprāpti and Kautilya’s Maṇḍala Theory

  This session aims to give an overview of Maṇḍala theory proposed by Kautilya in the Arthaśāstra and the way Mitrasaṃprāpti stories connect us to that theory. It will also highlight the Sahaja and Kṛtaka friendships in statecraft.

  
  

Module 4

Leadership and Friendship

• 4 Jan - Friend as a Leader – The Story of Hiraṇyaka

  This session narrates the story of Hiraṇyaka and the losses he incurred as a leader, thereby highlighting the devaluation of leadership due to friendship.

• 10 Jan - Leader as a Friend – The Story of Citragrīva

  This session narrates the story of Citragrīva, showcasing the success attainable by a leader due to friendships.

Module 5

Daiva – Puruṣaprayatna - Friendship

• 11 Jan - Daiva-prābalyam - The Dominant Hand of Divine

  This session takes up the story of Prāptavyamartha, in which a man and his firm belief in the wise words highlight the intricate ways of Daiva’s proceedings. It also emphasizes the importance of considering natural phenomena in statecraft.

• 17 Jan - Puruṣakāra-prābalyam - The Dominant Hand of Human Effort

  This session narrates the climax of Mitrasaṃprāpti tantra, the story of great escape, emphasizing the value of intellectual unity in times of crisis, which in turn highlights its significance in statecraft and global politics.

• 18 Jan - The Balanced Blend of Daiva and Puruṣakāra

  This session brings forth the wisdom of statecraft, which cautions against over-indulgence in everything. It also throws light on the indispensability of Dharma in statecraft.