Devdutt Pattanaik’s “Escape the Bakasura Trap”. Book review by Ajay Singha

There is a prevailing belief that accumulating more power, wealth, and resources leads to universal value and recognition. Devdutt Pattanaik’s “Escape the Bakasura Trap” challenges this belief and unchecked consumption, which goes along with it. The book draws a compelling parallel between present-day consumption and Bakasura, a character from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Bakasura was infamous for his insatiable hunger, consuming not just food resources but even those who served him. Similar patterns of greed and excess can be found in today’s society, and as readers delve deeper, they may recognize a little bit of Bakasura within themselves. While consumption is often seen as a path to power and leisure, little attention is paid to its broader impact on oneself.

Pattanaik assumes that his readers have a general awareness of the epics and literature. This may no longer hold true, as business education is focussed on success, consequently the knowledge imparted is domain-specific. In an indirect manner the book suggests an improved understanding of human nature and our insignificant place in the scheme of things. The path to contentment and happiness may commence with this realization, something that often comes later in life. The book references rare concepts such as the Greek notion of Asphodel. While enriching the content, some readers may have to call for AI assistance to really enjoy the contents.

Pattanaik beautifully distills the essence of the Mahabharata, making it palatable to all, even the mildly spiritual or the truly agnostic readership. The book offers a reflection on the dangers of unrestrained consumption and the dissatisfaction it breeds, serving as a mirror for the reader. Its concise and tightly written style, under 200 pages, requires close attention; every word is significant, and skipping even a sentence can disrupt the narrative’s flow. For business professionals, the advice is clear:- sip it down slowly, savor the ideas, allow the words to sink in and the lessons to resonate fully.

A key message in the book is that consuming and hoarding do not eliminate hunger; instead, they fuel an addiction to consumption. Not everyone benefits equally from this system, and those excluded continually seek their share, leading to ongoing conflict. The dynamics between consumers and the consumed forms the core of the “Bakasura trap.”

The Mahabharata is often seen as a tale of war, but Pattanaik explains that it is indeed a discourse on mediation and contentment. The book discusses the human capacity to imagine—using myths to create meaning, identity, and structure within societies. Myths even influence beliefs about hunger persisting beyond death, as seen in Hindu rituals that involve feeding the dead in anticipation of rebirth. Many belief systems, the author notes, use fear of the afterlife, as a way to influence present behaviour.

An anecdote involving Lord Bramha is used to illustrate the importance of selflessness: Bramha instructs his children to eat without bending their elbows. Those who feed others can do so without bending their elbows and become human. Those who only feed themselves, by bending their torsos but not the elbows, become plants and animals, eternally seeking food.

The book also explores the concept of “Yagna,” where the concept of giving is central. In this ritual, what is given away is offered to a deity (Devta), and while the donor (Yajman) receives no guarantee of return. Giving is motivated by the desire to repay debts and build credit. Pattanaik highlights how this belief distinguishes Indian thought from all others. The idea that those with credit are born into privilege while those in debt suffer, emanates from this belief system. True freedom, the author asserts, means liberation from both debts and credits—pain and pleasure alike. Bakasura, the book’s central figure, is ultimately shunned for only taking and never giving.

“Escaping the Bakasura Trap” is recommended for readers everywhere, as the themes of greed, consumption, and the desire for liberation from them are universal. The lessons learnt herein are relevant for all and go far beyond the corporate world. In a way the book encourages readers to seek and understand the Bakasura archetypes in their own lives, avoiding that path and perhaps escaping the Bakasura trap. Part of the title says it all - Let Contentment Fuel Your Growth.