Complete Chanakya Neeti

by R.P. Jain

Chanakya clarifies that there is no medicine as pure and life bestower as nectar.

not to awaken a snake, king, lion, wild boar, child, fool, honebee and other's dog,

getting educated has more value than earning wealth, so a man should always make efforts for gaining it.

The paths to enjoying physical pleasure and getting education are separate. To attain both simultaneously is impossible.

Chanakya says that a person who does not have the ability to think/understand, who is not eager to learn, cannot be taught inspite of best efforts.

Chanakya says that mirror was made for people having vision. They can see themselves in it. But for the blind, it serves no purpose. You cannot blame the mirror for it. Similarly, the Vedas/ scriptures were created and for intelligent and wise people. They are beneficial only for people, who have thinking and understanding ability. Fools cannot benefit from them.

Chanakya says that on becoming poor, a person may be mocked on several occasions. Such a situation is extremely stressful and can cause mental tension. Nobody supports him when he becomes poor. So, it is wise to leave and stay in the forest.

Chanakya has explained the concept of life and death in a very simplistic manner. He says that a crow, pigeon, sparrow and parrot-even though being of different species and colour, sleep on the same tree in the night. But at the crack of dawn, they all fly away to their own destinations. Similarly, the human souls also settle for some time in families, in the form of trees. Then at the appointed hour, they fly away from that tree. So, one should not grieve or feel sorrow on their departure.

According to Chanakya, the addition of ghee in the food provides maximum strength and nourishment.

man should consume more milk and ghee as compared to vegetables and meat.

He clarifies that like the king, who turns away from his religion, is definitely ruined, any person, who gives up his religion and is attracted towards another religion, inspite of being affluent, is ruined. So, a man should never be indifferent to his religion.

Explaining the signs before the final destruction, he says that ten thousand years before the end of the Dark Age, Lord Vishnu will depart from the earth. Five thousand years earlier, river Ganges will disappear from the earth. Two thousand five hundred years earlier, the local Lord will depart from the earth. Like this in the Dark Age when the earth is left with sinners, unholy and cruel persons, then God will depart from the earth.

Vedas specify four classes of people. They have been classified based on their profession rather than on their descent or caste.

If the kareel bush does not bloom in spring, then it is no fault of spring; if the owl cannot see in daytime, it is useless to blame the sun; if the rain drops do not fall in the cuckoos mouth, then it is no fault of the clouds. Similarly, the difficulties and hardships which a man bears during his life, are no fault of his. These are pre-destined.

for enjoying happy family life, men should continue to perform acts of worship/prayer, donation and Brahmin reverence.

'Kalpavriksha' fulfills all the desires of a man, but it is only wood. The 'Sumeruparvat' has deposits of vast treasurers, but it is only stone. The Sun's rays are illuminating but are intense, whereas the Moon illuminates and cools but is spotted. The sea inspite of being vast contains salty water and 'Kamdeva' is without a body. Even though 'Bali' is considered a great donor, he belongs to the demon race. Similarly, 'Kamdhenu' who fulfills all the desires of man, is a cow. Oh Lord! None of these unlike you are blemishless, radiant, tolerant, generous and devotee loving; no one can compare with you. So, Oh Lord! You are the supreme power.

Oh foolish man! At the time of birth of the child itself, God takes care of his food. Whatever he is destined to get, nobody can snatch it from him.

man should only focus on the present. If he improves his present, then his future will also be bright.

He says amongst all the jewels on earth-water, food and sweet talk are the most precious jewels.

Chanakya says that if a drop of oil is dropped in a bowl of water, it spreads all over. An evil person cannot keep a secret; he spreads it in no time. Even if an intelligent person gains a little knowledge, he is able to learn more. Similarly, Chanakya says that if donation is given to a deserving person, then it is received back by the donor ten-fold.

King, fire, Guru and woman, according to Chanakya, for all the four, neither their proximity nor their avoidance is good; it can lead to a man's complete ruin. The proximity to king and Guru makes him arrogant and becomes blemished; whereas staying away leads to neglect. The nearness to fire results in burning and turning to ash; whereas staying away from it diminishes its heat and light. Closeness to woman generates many flaws, whereas separation might cause her to go astray. To safeguard from this situation, Chanakya says that a man should find a solution by taking a middle path. He should remain neither too close nor too far from them.

He says that fire, water, woman, fool, snake and royal family while they are useful for a man, but may be ruinous for him if he is careless. So, they must be dealt with due caution.

He says that only at the right time intelligent people should take up the tasks suited for that time. Against this, people who undertake tasks unmindful of the time always fail.

Chanakya has advised gentlemen to stay away from evil persons. Suggesting the solution, Chanakya says they are like thorns, so either crush them with your shoes or take an alternate path. That is either finish them or stay away from them.

Goddess Lakshmi replied "Oh Lord! Hermit Agastya in his anger had gulped my father, the Ocean. The great Saint Brighu had kicked you in the chest. The superior Brahmins worship my sister Goddess Saraswati, instead of me. They keep on uprooting lotus flowers from my abode to pray/worship Lord Shiva. That is why, I am displeased with the Brahmins".

Chanakya says that if a man behaves with you like a gentleman, then you must also reciprocate accordingly. However, if a person intends to harm you, then he should also be paid back in the same coin.

man should recite the Gayatri Mantra everyday. It eliminates all the obstructions in life.

King, prostitute, 'Yum' (God of death), fire, smuggler, child, beggar and the villages nuisance creator- these eight do not understand the sorrows and distress of others. Their nature is to act as per their whims. So, a man should not expect any kindness from them.