Astabrata is ancient wisdom for leadership. Its principles are symbolized in the characteristics of nature.

Kakawin Ramayana is old Javanese poem, arranged based on Indian

Kakawin Ramayana is old Javanese poem of Ramayana story, arranged in 9th century based on Indian Vedic Literature. It tells that Sri Rama, the son of Dasaratha, teaches Astabrata principles to his younger brother, Bharata, who will be the King of Ayodya. Astabrata as leadership principles for the leader is symbolized in the characteristics of nature.

Leadership art of Astabrata is also mentioned in Serat Aji Pamasa (old literature for Javanese shadow play puppetry) by Raden Ngabehi Rangga Warsita, a Javanese poet (1802-1973). A leader must have understanding (ngerti), feeling or empathy (ngrasa), and implementation (nglakoni) of the eight characteristics of nature, called Astabrata. Asta means eight. Brata means characteristics, conducts, or principles. So, Astabrata means eight principles of leadership.

In Wayang (Indonesian shadow play with the theme based on Hindu epics), the leadership art of Astabrata was also taught to Gunawan Wibisono when he was crowned as Alenka King and to Arjuna when he tried to search the lost Crown of Rama (Makutharama).

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Before a leader led the others, he should have self-leadership. He should be able to deal with himself to build leader personality. The leadership principles of Astabrata consist of the characteristics of Earth, Sun, Moon, Stars, Fire, Wind, Sea, and Cloud/Rain.

Earth

Earth is unassailable, solid, resolute, and clear. Earth offers the wealth to all creatures on it. Earth does not discriminate. To perform the character of earth, a leader should be solid and create the friendly condition and situation where the others can stand and grow. He must be friendly without discrimination. He must give reward and award to the right people. He should share the abundance to the others. He must have perseverance and discipline to accomplish his tasks.

Sun

Sun is enlightening, warming, and giving the energy to dynamic life. Solar energy is the source of energy for all creatures in the earth. Like the sun, a leader must energize and enlighten the others. He must motivate, develop dynamic life, build people’s understanding, rekindle the people’s spirit and transfer the knowledge to the others. However, he should warm and friendly to others.