Chanakya Neeti

Chanakya is considered as the pioneer of the field of economics and political science in India. He managed the first Maurya emperor Chandragupta’s rise to power at a young age and is widely credited for having played an important role in the establishment of the Maurya Empire, the first empire to rule most of the Indian subcontinent. Two books are attributed to Chanakya: Arthashastra and Chanakya Neeti (also known as Neetishastra). The Arthashastra discusses monetary and fiscal policies, international relations, war strategies and also outlines the duties of a ruler. Chanakya Neeti is a treatise on the ideal way of life and shows Chanakya’s deep study of the Indian way of life. Chanakya also developed Neeti-Sutras (aphorisms) that tell people how they should behave.

1: Importance of determination

Yaddooram Yadduraaraaddhyam Yachcha Doore  Vyavasthitam, Tattsarva Tapasaa Saaddhyam Tapo hi

Duratikramam. Even if the destination or the desired object be far away or difficult to achieve one can reach it or get it if one is determined. Nothing is impossible for a determined person.

2: Don’t speak ill of others

Yaddeechchasi Vasheekartu Jagadeken  Karmana. Paraapavaadashaastreebhyo Gaam Charanteem  Nivaarya.

If you want to overpower the entire world merely by just one action, then put a restraint upon your tongue speaking ill of others.

3: Be active and flexible to change

Anaagat vidhaataa Cha Prattutpannamatistathaa  Dvaavetau Sukhameveta Yaddbhavishyo  Vinashyati.

He who is aware of the future troubles and who possesses sharp intelligence remains happy. In contradiction to this stage, he who remains inactive, waiting for the good days to come destroys his own life.

4: Live in the moment

Gautam Shoko na Kartavya Bhavishyam Naiv  Chintayet  Vartamaanen Kaalen Pravartante Vishakshanaah

One should not grieve for the past and worry for the future. The wise care for the present and chart their life’s course accordingly.

5: Accumulate knowledge, goodwill & wealth slowly & steadily

Alvindunipaaten Kramashah Pooryate Ghatah  Sahetu Sarvaviddyaanaam Dhardasya Cha Dhanasya Cha.

A mere trickle of the tiny drops of water can fill the pitcher. The same way we must keep on collecting knowledge, Dharma, and money.

6: Don’t publicise before achieving

Manasaa Chintitam Kaaryam Vachsaa Na Prakaashyet  Mantrem Rakhned goodham Kaaryam Chaapi  Niyojet.

One should never leak out one’s well thought-out intentions, determinations and they should be jealously guarded like some secret Mantra. The  implementation of them should also be achieved  without any fanfare and in total secrecy (to  ensure their successful accomplishment.)

7: Learning from the lion: put in 100%

Prabhootam Kaaryampi Vaa Tattparah  Prakartumichati  Sarvaarambhen Tattkaarya Singhaadekam  Prachakshate.

Whether it be big or small, we must do every work with our full capacity and power. This quality we must learn from the lion. (It is believed that the lion never does anything half heartedly. It would kill a rabbit or attack an  elephant with its full ferocity.)

8: Learning from the heron: Focus

Indriyaani Cha Sanyammya Bakavttyapandito  narah  Deshkaal Balam Gyaattvaa Sarvakaaryaani  Saadhayet.

Controlling all your senses like the heron and after carefully considering the factors of time and space and the capacity of self the wise accomplish their work successfully. (The Heron has this great capacity to forget  everything else to concentrate on its target.)

9: Learning from the dog

Baahavshee Svalpasantushtah Sunidro  Laguchetanaa  Swaamibhaktashcha Shoorashcha Shadete  Shvaanato Gunaah.

Deriving satisfaction out of a little eating even in  the famished condition, being alert despite being  deep in slumber, faithfulness and bravery –these  six qualities ought to be learnt from a dog

10: Learning from the donkey

Sushraantoapi Vahed Bhaaram SheetoshnaNa Pashyanti  Santushtashcharato Nittyam Treeni  Shikshechacha Gardabhaat.

The capacity to carry the load despite being bone-tired, being undaunted by the vagaries of weather and getting satisfied in all the conditions – these three qualities are to be learnt from the donkey.

Chanakya Sutras :

Importance of planning and prioritisation  Do the work which is more fruitful if you need to do many assignments.Think about the assignments of a day during the end of night i.e the dawn.

• Chanakya Sutras :

Importance of being open minded  A proud king should shed his pride during difficulty and must find out the solution using unbiased ideas. A person who is capable of listening and thinking highly should be made a minister by the king. One should not be stubborn during counselling/discussion.

Abhishek Bodke