Chanakya’s teachings
To live a satisfactory life, a person needs guidance in the right direction. The teachings of Acharya Chanakya even today help people to follow the right path. *Chanakya Niti* highlights important principles related to various aspects of life—such as family, society, relationships, career and success. He believed that every person aspires to be successful in life, and this is possible through right thinking and conduct. Today, we are presenting before you some important verses from *Chanakya Niti*, adopting which can bring positive changes in your life.
Verse 1
*charitable work moksheshu yasyaikopi na vidyate |*
*Janmajanmani martyeshu maranam tasya kevalam ||*
**Meaning:** In this verse, Chanakya explains that if any one of the four fundamental pillars—*Dharma* (righteous conduct), *Artha* (wealth/purpose), *Kama* (desire/fulfillment), and *Moksha* (liberation)—is absent in a person’s life, then his life is spent only in the cycle of birth and death. If a person does not focus on any one of these four primary objectives, his life becomes meaningless.
Verse 2
*Tyajeddharmam Dayahinaam, Vidyaahinaam Guru Tyajet.*
*Dispassionate angry wives, dispassionate bondless ones ||*
**Meaning:** In this verse, Chanakya advises that one should abandon a religion that lacks compassion. One should also abandon such a guru who does not have true knowledge. Apart from this, one should also keep distance from an angry wife and such relatives who do not have true affection. In life, only those things and relationships should be adopted which are virtuous and full of love.
Verse 3
*Adhwa Jara Manushanaan, Vajinaam Bandhanam Jara |*
*Amathunam Jara Streeanam, Vastraanam Aatpan Jaraa ||*
**Meaning:** Chanakya says in this verse that a person who is always on a journey or walks beyond his capacity, grows old quickly. Due to travel fatigue and irregular daily routine, people become victims of old age at an early age.
Verse 4
Yatha Chaturbhih Kanakam Parikshyate Nigharshanachhedanatapatadanaih.
And Chaturbhi Purushah Parikshyate Tyagen Sheelaen Gunen Karmana.
**Meaning:** Chanakya says that just as gold is tested in four ways – by rubbing, cutting, heating and beating – similarly a human being is also identified by four things – sacrifice, conduct, qualities and deeds.
Verse 5
*Taavdbhayen bhetavyam yavadbhayamanagatam.*
*आगतं तु भायम विक्ष्य प्रहत्व्यमशंकया॥*
**Meaning:** Acharya Chanakya says in this verse that fear should be maintained only until the crisis arises. But when crisis arises, one should face it without panic.
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