Chanakya has got a pivotal role in Indian history. History will never and ever witness such an idealistic personality.
Chanakya’s potential is indomitable in disintegrating his opponents in the field of politics. He could oppress the Nava Nandas, who humiliated him and made Chandra Gupta Maurya, the Emperor of the Maurya Dynasty.
He has got another name Kautilya. He has earned global fame for composing and drafting the popular ARTHA SASTRA. He has personally experienced the agony of Tyranny and that is why he proposed the patterns of Democratic administrations. It means that those who rule, are the representatives elected by the people. Chanakya opposed the hereditary administration. Once, in the kingdoms like Rome, only a Warrior can have the opportunity of ruling the people.
The following are his principles of life that can be appealing even today:
Nowadays, the ruling has become the laughing stock of the public. And people can’t find a way to meet their expectations. Administrators should have not only a vision for the welfare of the public but also the commitment to implement all their policies. Taking the power as an opportunity if they yield to vested interests – it results in losing their positions. It is in vain to regret after losing powers.
Man, in general, can’t realize the power of time. Man lives in an illusion that his physical body, material possessions, fame and position are permanent. He resorts to all types of blunders under this illusion, without any hesitation. He doesn’t think about the consequences, for a while. For everyone, discipline is the foundation for his life. And that discipline should be in all walks of life. Man needs not only character but also financial discipline to lead a balanced life. One has to spend money only within his economic limits, not beyond that. And one has to save some amount in his limited income itself; so as to face health issues or meet emergencies.
Maybe the emergencies of life connect with money, one can’t get the money in need; or otherwise, if available, one may not have the capability to repay the debt. If money is saved and procured in advance, one need not borrow it from others in need.
Some people avoid the persons who helped them in need. Because of them, some others hesitate to help the people in need. Usually, people don’t trust the persons, who are not honest. Incapability can be empathized with but not boorishness.
Those, who feel jealous and envious, only lose. Our body is our kingdom. Good thoughts are like good friends and bad thoughts are like bad friends. Rationality and discrimination are our approaches, to leading a righteous life.
Our intellect has to act like Chanakya. We have to suppress bad thoughts and strengthen our minds. We have to keep our conscience in our control. We have to win our minds. As life is impermanent, we should make it productive.
The thumb rule of Chanakya is to reach our goals with our wit and tactics, despite the odds of life. This rule is pertinent to all to make our life meaningful and successful.
Article by Dr.K.Saroja Devi
Professor of English, A.P.
[email protected]
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