Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Chanakya Neethi Part 17/17..
1. The scholar who has acquired knowledge by studying innumerable
books without the blessings of a bonafide spiritual master does not
shine in an assembly of truly learned men just as an illegitimate child is
not honoured in society.
2. We should repay the favours of others by acts of kindness; so also
should we return evil for evil in which there is no sin, for it is necessary
to pay a wicked man in his own coin.
3. That thing which is distant, that thing which appears impossible, and
that which is far beyond our reach, can be easily attained through
tapasya (religious austerity), for nothing can surpass austerity.
4. What vice could be worse than covetousness? What is more sinful than
slander? For one who is truthful, what need is there for austerity? For
one who has a clean heart, what is the need for pilgrimage? If one has a
good disposition, what other virtue is needed? If a man has fame, what
is the value of other ornamentation? What need is there for wealth for
the man of practical knowledge? And if a man is dishonoured, what
could there be worse in death?
5. Though the sea, which is the reservoir of all jewels, is the father of the
conch shell, and the Goddess of fortune Lakshmi is conch's sister, still
the conch must go from door to door for alms (in the hands of a
beggar). It is true, therefore, that one gains nothing without having
given in the past.
6. When a man has no strength left in him he becomes a sadhu, one
without wealth acts like a brahmacari, a sick man behaves like a
devotee of the Lord, and when a woman grows old she becomes
devoted to her husband.
7. ...
8. There is poison in the fang of the serpent, in the mouth of the fly and in
the sting of a scorpion; but the wicked man is saturated with it.
9. The woman who fasts and observes religious vows without the
permission of her husband shortens his life, and goes to hell.
10. A woman does not become holy by offering by charity, by observing
hundreds of fasts, or by sipping sacred water, as by sipping the water
used to wash her husbands feet.
11 ...
12. The hand is not so well adorned by ornaments as by charitable
offerings; one does not become clean by smearing sandalwood paste
upon the body as by taking a bath; one does not become so much
satisfied by dinner as by having respect shown to him; and salvation is
not attained by self-adornment as by cultivation of spiritual knowledge.
13. ...
14. The eating of tundi fruit deprives a man of his sense, while the vacha
root administered revives his reasoning immediately. A woman at once
robs a man of his vigour while milk at once restores it.
15. He who nurtures benevolence for all creatures within his heart
overcomes all difficulties and will be the recipient of all types of riches
at every step.
16. What is there to be enjoyed in the world of Lord Indra for one whose
wife is loving and virtuous, who possesses wealth, who has a well-
behaved son endowed with good qualities, and who has a grandchildren
born of his children?
17. Men have eating, sleeping, fearing and mating in common with the
lower animals. That in which men excel the beasts is discretionary
knowledge; hence, indiscreet men who are without knowledge should
be regarded as beasts.
18. If the bees which seek the liquid oozing from the head of a lust-
intoxicated elephant are driven away by the flapping of his ears, then
the elephant has lost only the ornament of his head. The bees are quite
happy in the lotus filled lake.
19. A king, a prostitute, Lord Yamaraja, fire, a thief, a young boy, and a
beggar cannot understand the suffering of others. The eighth of this
category is the tax collector.
20. O lady, why are you gazing downward? Has something of yours fallen
on the ground? (She replies) O fool, can you not understand the pearl of
my youth has slipped away?
21. O ketki flower! Serpents live in your midst, you bear no edible fruits,
your leaves are covered with thorns, you are crooked in growth, you
thrive in mud, and you are not easily accessible. Still for your
exceptional fragrance you are as dear as a kinsmen to others. Hence, a
single excellence overcomes a multitude of blemishes.
books without the blessings of a bonafide spiritual master does not
shine in an assembly of truly learned men just as an illegitimate child is
not honoured in society.
2. We should repay the favours of others by acts of kindness; so also
should we return evil for evil in which there is no sin, for it is necessary
to pay a wicked man in his own coin.
3. That thing which is distant, that thing which appears impossible, and
that which is far beyond our reach, can be easily attained through
tapasya (religious austerity), for nothing can surpass austerity.
4. What vice could be worse than covetousness? What is more sinful than
slander? For one who is truthful, what need is there for austerity? For
one who has a clean heart, what is the need for pilgrimage? If one has a
good disposition, what other virtue is needed? If a man has fame, what
is the value of other ornamentation? What need is there for wealth for
the man of practical knowledge? And if a man is dishonoured, what
could there be worse in death?
5. Though the sea, which is the reservoir of all jewels, is the father of the
conch shell, and the Goddess of fortune Lakshmi is conch's sister, still
the conch must go from door to door for alms (in the hands of a
beggar). It is true, therefore, that one gains nothing without having
given in the past.
6. When a man has no strength left in him he becomes a sadhu, one
without wealth acts like a brahmacari, a sick man behaves like a
devotee of the Lord, and when a woman grows old she becomes
devoted to her husband.
7. ...
8. There is poison in the fang of the serpent, in the mouth of the fly and in
the sting of a scorpion; but the wicked man is saturated with it.
9. The woman who fasts and observes religious vows without the
permission of her husband shortens his life, and goes to hell.
10. A woman does not become holy by offering by charity, by observing
hundreds of fasts, or by sipping sacred water, as by sipping the water
used to wash her husbands feet.
11 ...
12. The hand is not so well adorned by ornaments as by charitable
offerings; one does not become clean by smearing sandalwood paste
upon the body as by taking a bath; one does not become so much
satisfied by dinner as by having respect shown to him; and salvation is
not attained by self-adornment as by cultivation of spiritual knowledge.
13. ...
14. The eating of tundi fruit deprives a man of his sense, while the vacha
root administered revives his reasoning immediately. A woman at once
robs a man of his vigour while milk at once restores it.
15. He who nurtures benevolence for all creatures within his heart
overcomes all difficulties and will be the recipient of all types of riches
at every step.
16. What is there to be enjoyed in the world of Lord Indra for one whose
wife is loving and virtuous, who possesses wealth, who has a well-
behaved son endowed with good qualities, and who has a grandchildren
born of his children?
17. Men have eating, sleeping, fearing and mating in common with the
lower animals. That in which men excel the beasts is discretionary
knowledge; hence, indiscreet men who are without knowledge should
be regarded as beasts.
18. If the bees which seek the liquid oozing from the head of a lust-
intoxicated elephant are driven away by the flapping of his ears, then
the elephant has lost only the ornament of his head. The bees are quite
happy in the lotus filled lake.
19. A king, a prostitute, Lord Yamaraja, fire, a thief, a young boy, and a
beggar cannot understand the suffering of others. The eighth of this
category is the tax collector.
20. O lady, why are you gazing downward? Has something of yours fallen
on the ground? (She replies) O fool, can you not understand the pearl of
my youth has slipped away?
21. O ketki flower! Serpents live in your midst, you bear no edible fruits,
your leaves are covered with thorns, you are crooked in growth, you
thrive in mud, and you are not easily accessible. Still for your
exceptional fragrance you are as dear as a kinsmen to others. Hence, a
single excellence overcomes a multitude of blemishes.
Chanakya Neethi Part 16/17..
1. ...
2. The heart of a woman is not united; it is divided. While she is talking
with one man, she looks lustfully at another and thinks fondly of a third
in her heart.
3. The fool (mudha) who fancies that a charming young lady loves him,
becomes her slave and he dances like a shakuntal bird tied to a string.
4. Who is there who, having become rich, has not become proud? Which
licentious (Free) man has put an end to his calamities (A grievous
disaster)? Which man in this world has not been overcome by a
woman? Who is always loved by the king? Who is there who has not
been overcome by the ravages of time? Which beggar has attained
glory? Who has become happy by contracting the vices of the wicked?
5. ...
6. A man attains greatness by his merits, not simply by occupying an
exalted seat. Can we call a crow an eagle (garuda) simply because he
sits on the top of a tall building.
7. ...
8. The man who is praised by others as great is regarded as worthy though
he may be really void of all merit. But the man who sings his own
praises lowers himself in the estimation of others though he should be
Indra (the possessor of all excellences).
9. If good qualities should characterise a man of discrimination, the
brilliance of his qualities will be recognised just as a gem which is
essentially bright really shines when fixed in an ornament of gold.
10. Even one who by his qualities appears to be all knowing suffers without
patronage; the gem, though precious, requires a gold setting.
11. I do not deserve that wealth which is to be attained by enduring much
suffering, or by transgressing the rules of virtue, or by flattering an
enemy.
12. ...
13. Those who were not satiated with the enjoyment of wealth, food and
women have all passed away; there are others now passing away who
have likewise remained unsatiated; and in the future still others will
pass away feeling themselves unsatiated.
14. All charities and sacrifices (performed for fruitive gain) bring only
temporary results, but gifts made to deserving persons (those who are
Krishna consciousness) and protection offered to all creatures shall
never perish.
15. A blade of grass is light, cotton is lighter, the beggar is infinitely lighter
still. Why then does not the wind carry him away? Because it fears that
he may ask alms of him.
16. It is better to die than to preserve this life by incurring disgrace. The
loss of life causes but a moment's grief, but disgrace brings grief every
day of one's life.
17. All the creatures are pleased by loving words; and therefore we should
address words that are pleasing to all, for there is no lack of sweet
words.
18. There are two nectarean fruits hanging from the tree of this world: one
is the hearing of sweet words (such as Krishna-katha) and the other, the
society of saintly men.
19. The good habits of charity, learning and austerity practised during many
past lives continue to be cultivated in this birth by virtue of the link
(yoga) of this present life to the previous ones.
20. One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the
possession of others, can use neither his knowledge nor wealth when
the need for them arises.
2. The heart of a woman is not united; it is divided. While she is talking
with one man, she looks lustfully at another and thinks fondly of a third
in her heart.
3. The fool (mudha) who fancies that a charming young lady loves him,
becomes her slave and he dances like a shakuntal bird tied to a string.
4. Who is there who, having become rich, has not become proud? Which
licentious (Free) man has put an end to his calamities (A grievous
disaster)? Which man in this world has not been overcome by a
woman? Who is always loved by the king? Who is there who has not
been overcome by the ravages of time? Which beggar has attained
glory? Who has become happy by contracting the vices of the wicked?
5. ...
6. A man attains greatness by his merits, not simply by occupying an
exalted seat. Can we call a crow an eagle (garuda) simply because he
sits on the top of a tall building.
7. ...
8. The man who is praised by others as great is regarded as worthy though
he may be really void of all merit. But the man who sings his own
praises lowers himself in the estimation of others though he should be
Indra (the possessor of all excellences).
9. If good qualities should characterise a man of discrimination, the
brilliance of his qualities will be recognised just as a gem which is
essentially bright really shines when fixed in an ornament of gold.
10. Even one who by his qualities appears to be all knowing suffers without
patronage; the gem, though precious, requires a gold setting.
11. I do not deserve that wealth which is to be attained by enduring much
suffering, or by transgressing the rules of virtue, or by flattering an
enemy.
12. ...
13. Those who were not satiated with the enjoyment of wealth, food and
women have all passed away; there are others now passing away who
have likewise remained unsatiated; and in the future still others will
pass away feeling themselves unsatiated.
14. All charities and sacrifices (performed for fruitive gain) bring only
temporary results, but gifts made to deserving persons (those who are
Krishna consciousness) and protection offered to all creatures shall
never perish.
15. A blade of grass is light, cotton is lighter, the beggar is infinitely lighter
still. Why then does not the wind carry him away? Because it fears that
he may ask alms of him.
16. It is better to die than to preserve this life by incurring disgrace. The
loss of life causes but a moment's grief, but disgrace brings grief every
day of one's life.
17. All the creatures are pleased by loving words; and therefore we should
address words that are pleasing to all, for there is no lack of sweet
words.
18. There are two nectarean fruits hanging from the tree of this world: one
is the hearing of sweet words (such as Krishna-katha) and the other, the
society of saintly men.
19. The good habits of charity, learning and austerity practised during many
past lives continue to be cultivated in this birth by virtue of the link
(yoga) of this present life to the previous ones.
20. One whose knowledge is confined to books and whose wealth is in the
possession of others, can use neither his knowledge nor wealth when
the need for them arises.
Chanakya Neethi Part 15/17..
1. For one whose heart melts with compassion for all creatures; what is
the necessity of knowledge, liberation, matted hair on the head, and
smearing the body with ashes.
2. There is no treasure on earth the gift of which will cancel the debt a
disciple owes his guru for having taught him even a single letter ( that
leads to Krishna consciousness).
3. There are two ways to get rid of thorns and wicked persons; using
footwear in the first case and in the second shaming them so that they
cannot raise their faces again thus keeping them at a distance.
4. He who wears unclean garments, has dirty teeth, as a glutton, speaks
unkindly and sleeps after sunrise -- although he may be the greatest
personality -- will lose the favour of Lakshmi.
5. He who loses his money is forsaken by his friends, his wife, his
servants and his relations; yet when he regains his riches those who
have forsaken him come back to him. Hence wealth is certainly the best
of relations.
6. Sinfully acquired wealth may remain for ten years; in the eleventh year
it disappears with even the original stock.
7. A bad action committed by a great man is not censured (as there is none
that can reproach him), and a good action performed by a low-class
man comes to be condemned (because none respects him). Just see: the
drinking of nectar is excellent, but it became the cause of Rahu's
demise; and the drinking of poison is harmful, but when Lord Shiva
(who is exalted) drank it, it became an ornament to his neck (nila-
kanta).
8. A true meal is that which consists of the remnants left after a
brahmana's meal. Love which is shown to others is true love, not that
which is cherished for one's own self. to abstain from sin is true
wisdom. That is an act of charity which is performed without
ostentation.
9.
For want of discernment the most precious jewels lie in the dust at the
feet of men while bits of glass are worn on their heads. But we should
not imagine that the gems have sunk in value, and the bits of glass have
risen in importance. When a person of critical judgement shall appear,
each will be given its right position.
10. Sastric knowledge is unlimited, and the arts to be learned are many; the
time we have is short, and our opportunities to learn are beset with
obstacles. Therefore select for learning that which is most important,
just as the swan drinks only the milk in water.
11. He is a chandala who eats his dinner without entertaining the stranger
who has come to his house quite accidentally, having travelled from a
long distance and is wearied.
12. One may know the four Vedas and the Dharma-sastras, yet if he has no
realisation of his own spiritual self, he can be said to be like the ladle
which stirs all kinds of foods but knows not the taste of any.
13. Those blessed souls are certainly elevated who, while crossing the
ocean of life, take shelter of a genuine brahmana, who is likened unto a
boat. They are unlike passengers aboard an ordinary ship which runs
the risk of sinking.
14. The moon, who is the abode of nectar and the presiding deity of all
medicines, although immortal like amrta and resplendent in form, loses
the brilliance of his rays when he repairs to the abode of the sun (day
time). Therefore will not an ordinary man be made to feel inferior by
going to live at the house of another.
15. This humble bee, who always resides among the soft petals of the lotus
and drinks abundantly its sweet nectar, is now feasting on the flower of
the ordinary kutaja. Being in a strange country where the lotuses do not
exist, he is considering the pollen of the kutaja to be nice.
16. (Lord Visnu asked His spouse Lakshmi why She did not care to live in
the house of a brahmana, when She replied) " O Lord a rishi named
Agastya drank up My father (the ocean) in anger; Brighu Muni kicked
You; brahmanas pride themselves on their learning having sought the
favour of My competitor Sarasvati; and lastly they pluck each day the
lotus which is My abode, and therewith worship Lord Shiva. Therefore,
O Lord, I fear to dwell with a brahmana and that properly.
17. There are many ways of binding by which one can be dominated and
controlled in this world, but the bond of affection is the strongest. For
example, take the case of the humble bee which, although expert at
piercing hardened wood, becomes caught in the embrace of its beloved
flowers (as the petals close at dusk).
18. Although sandalwood be cut, it does not forsake its natural quality of
fragrance; so also the elephant does not give up sportiveness though he
should grow old. The sugarcane does not cease to be sweet though
squeezed in a mill; so the man of noble extraction does not lose his
lofty qualities, no matter how pinched he is by poverty.
the necessity of knowledge, liberation, matted hair on the head, and
smearing the body with ashes.
2. There is no treasure on earth the gift of which will cancel the debt a
disciple owes his guru for having taught him even a single letter ( that
leads to Krishna consciousness).
3. There are two ways to get rid of thorns and wicked persons; using
footwear in the first case and in the second shaming them so that they
cannot raise their faces again thus keeping them at a distance.
4. He who wears unclean garments, has dirty teeth, as a glutton, speaks
unkindly and sleeps after sunrise -- although he may be the greatest
personality -- will lose the favour of Lakshmi.
5. He who loses his money is forsaken by his friends, his wife, his
servants and his relations; yet when he regains his riches those who
have forsaken him come back to him. Hence wealth is certainly the best
of relations.
6. Sinfully acquired wealth may remain for ten years; in the eleventh year
it disappears with even the original stock.
7. A bad action committed by a great man is not censured (as there is none
that can reproach him), and a good action performed by a low-class
man comes to be condemned (because none respects him). Just see: the
drinking of nectar is excellent, but it became the cause of Rahu's
demise; and the drinking of poison is harmful, but when Lord Shiva
(who is exalted) drank it, it became an ornament to his neck (nila-
kanta).
8. A true meal is that which consists of the remnants left after a
brahmana's meal. Love which is shown to others is true love, not that
which is cherished for one's own self. to abstain from sin is true
wisdom. That is an act of charity which is performed without
ostentation.
9.
For want of discernment the most precious jewels lie in the dust at the
feet of men while bits of glass are worn on their heads. But we should
not imagine that the gems have sunk in value, and the bits of glass have
risen in importance. When a person of critical judgement shall appear,
each will be given its right position.
10. Sastric knowledge is unlimited, and the arts to be learned are many; the
time we have is short, and our opportunities to learn are beset with
obstacles. Therefore select for learning that which is most important,
just as the swan drinks only the milk in water.
11. He is a chandala who eats his dinner without entertaining the stranger
who has come to his house quite accidentally, having travelled from a
long distance and is wearied.
12. One may know the four Vedas and the Dharma-sastras, yet if he has no
realisation of his own spiritual self, he can be said to be like the ladle
which stirs all kinds of foods but knows not the taste of any.
13. Those blessed souls are certainly elevated who, while crossing the
ocean of life, take shelter of a genuine brahmana, who is likened unto a
boat. They are unlike passengers aboard an ordinary ship which runs
the risk of sinking.
14. The moon, who is the abode of nectar and the presiding deity of all
medicines, although immortal like amrta and resplendent in form, loses
the brilliance of his rays when he repairs to the abode of the sun (day
time). Therefore will not an ordinary man be made to feel inferior by
going to live at the house of another.
15. This humble bee, who always resides among the soft petals of the lotus
and drinks abundantly its sweet nectar, is now feasting on the flower of
the ordinary kutaja. Being in a strange country where the lotuses do not
exist, he is considering the pollen of the kutaja to be nice.
16. (Lord Visnu asked His spouse Lakshmi why She did not care to live in
the house of a brahmana, when She replied) " O Lord a rishi named
Agastya drank up My father (the ocean) in anger; Brighu Muni kicked
You; brahmanas pride themselves on their learning having sought the
favour of My competitor Sarasvati; and lastly they pluck each day the
lotus which is My abode, and therewith worship Lord Shiva. Therefore,
O Lord, I fear to dwell with a brahmana and that properly.
17. There are many ways of binding by which one can be dominated and
controlled in this world, but the bond of affection is the strongest. For
example, take the case of the humble bee which, although expert at
piercing hardened wood, becomes caught in the embrace of its beloved
flowers (as the petals close at dusk).
18. Although sandalwood be cut, it does not forsake its natural quality of
fragrance; so also the elephant does not give up sportiveness though he
should grow old. The sugarcane does not cease to be sweet though
squeezed in a mill; so the man of noble extraction does not lose his
lofty qualities, no matter how pinched he is by poverty.
Chanakya Neethi Part 14/17..
1. Poverty, disease, sorrow, imprisonment and other evils are the fruits
borne by the tree of one's own sins.
2. Wealth, a friend, a wife, and a kingdom may be regained; but this body
when lost may never be acquired again.
3. The enemy can be overcome by the union of large numbers, just as
grass through its collectiveness wards off erosion caused by heavy
rainfall.
4. Oil on water, a secret communicated to a base man, a gift given to a
worthy receiver, and scriptural instruction given to an intelligent man
spread out by virtue of their nature.
5. If men should always retain the state of mind they experience when
hearing religious instruction, when present at a crematorium ground,
and when in sickness -- then who could not attain liberation.
6. If a man should feel before, as he feels after, repentance -- then who
would not attain perfection?
7. We should not feel pride in our charity, austerity, valour, scriptural
knowledge, modesty and morality for the world is full of the rarest
gems.
8. He who lives in our mind is near though he may actually be far away;
but he who is not in our heart is far though he may really be nearby.
9. We should always speak what would please the man of whom we
expect a favour, like the hunter who sings sweetly when he desires to
shoot a deer.
10. It is ruinous to be familiar with the king, fire, the religious preceptor,
and a woman. To be altogether indifferent of them is to be deprived of
the opportunity to benefit ourselves, hence our association with them
must be from a safe distance.
11. We should always deal cautiously with fire, water, women, foolish
people, serpents, and members of a royal family; for they may, when
the occasion presents itself, at once bring about our death.
12. He should be considered to be living who is virtuous and pious, but the
life of a man who is destitute of religion and virtues is void of any
blessing.
13. If you wish to gain control of the world by the performance of a single
deed, then keep the following fifteen, which are prone to wander here
and there, from getting the upper hand of you: the five sense objects
(objects of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch); the five sense organs
(ears, eyes, nose, tongue and skin) and organs of activity (hands, legs,
mouth, genitals and anus).
14. He is a pandit (man of knowledge) who speaks what is suitable to the
occasion, who renders loving service according to his ability, and who
knows the limits of his anger.
15 One single object (a woman) appears in three different ways: to the man
who practices austerity it appears as a corpse, to the sensual it appears
as a woman, and to the dogs as a lump of flesh.
16. A wise man should not divulge the formula of a medicine which he has
well prepared; an act of charity which he has performed; domestic
conflicts; private affairs with his wife; poorly prepared food he may
have been offered; or slang he may have heard.
17. The cuckoos remain silent for a long time (for several seasons) until
they are able to sing sweetly (in the Spring ) so as to give joy to all.
18. We should secure and keep the following: the blessings of meritorious
deeds, wealth, grain, the words of the spiritual master, and rare
medicines. Otherwise life becomes impossible.
19. Eschew (Avoid) wicked company and associate with saintly persons.
Acquire virtue day and night, and always meditate on that which is
eternal forgetting that which is temporary.
borne by the tree of one's own sins.
2. Wealth, a friend, a wife, and a kingdom may be regained; but this body
when lost may never be acquired again.
3. The enemy can be overcome by the union of large numbers, just as
grass through its collectiveness wards off erosion caused by heavy
rainfall.
4. Oil on water, a secret communicated to a base man, a gift given to a
worthy receiver, and scriptural instruction given to an intelligent man
spread out by virtue of their nature.
5. If men should always retain the state of mind they experience when
hearing religious instruction, when present at a crematorium ground,
and when in sickness -- then who could not attain liberation.
6. If a man should feel before, as he feels after, repentance -- then who
would not attain perfection?
7. We should not feel pride in our charity, austerity, valour, scriptural
knowledge, modesty and morality for the world is full of the rarest
gems.
8. He who lives in our mind is near though he may actually be far away;
but he who is not in our heart is far though he may really be nearby.
9. We should always speak what would please the man of whom we
expect a favour, like the hunter who sings sweetly when he desires to
shoot a deer.
10. It is ruinous to be familiar with the king, fire, the religious preceptor,
and a woman. To be altogether indifferent of them is to be deprived of
the opportunity to benefit ourselves, hence our association with them
must be from a safe distance.
11. We should always deal cautiously with fire, water, women, foolish
people, serpents, and members of a royal family; for they may, when
the occasion presents itself, at once bring about our death.
12. He should be considered to be living who is virtuous and pious, but the
life of a man who is destitute of religion and virtues is void of any
blessing.
13. If you wish to gain control of the world by the performance of a single
deed, then keep the following fifteen, which are prone to wander here
and there, from getting the upper hand of you: the five sense objects
(objects of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch); the five sense organs
(ears, eyes, nose, tongue and skin) and organs of activity (hands, legs,
mouth, genitals and anus).
14. He is a pandit (man of knowledge) who speaks what is suitable to the
occasion, who renders loving service according to his ability, and who
knows the limits of his anger.
15 One single object (a woman) appears in three different ways: to the man
who practices austerity it appears as a corpse, to the sensual it appears
as a woman, and to the dogs as a lump of flesh.
16. A wise man should not divulge the formula of a medicine which he has
well prepared; an act of charity which he has performed; domestic
conflicts; private affairs with his wife; poorly prepared food he may
have been offered; or slang he may have heard.
17. The cuckoos remain silent for a long time (for several seasons) until
they are able to sing sweetly (in the Spring ) so as to give joy to all.
18. We should secure and keep the following: the blessings of meritorious
deeds, wealth, grain, the words of the spiritual master, and rare
medicines. Otherwise life becomes impossible.
19. Eschew (Avoid) wicked company and associate with saintly persons.
Acquire virtue day and night, and always meditate on that which is
eternal forgetting that which is temporary.
Chanakya Neethi Part 13/17..
1. A man may live but for a moment, but that moment should be spent in
doing auspicious deeds. It is useless living even for a kalpa (4,320,000
*1000 years) and bringing only distress upon the two worlds (this world
and the next).
2. We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the
future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment.
3. It certainly is nature of the demigods, men of good character, and
parents to be easily pleased. Near and distant relatives are pleased when
they are hospitably received with bathing, food, and drink; and pandits
are pleased with an opportunity for giving spiritual discourse.
4. Even as the unborn babe is in the womb of his mother, these five are
fixed as his life destiny: his life span, his activities, his acquisition of
wealth and knowledge, and his time of death.
5. O see what a wonder it is! The doings of the great are strange: they treat
wealth as light as a straw, yet, when they obtain it, they bend under its
weight.
6. He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and
sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard
attachment to be happy.
7. He who is prepared for the future and he who deals cleverly with any
situation that may arise are both happy; but the fatalistic man who
wholly depends on luck is ruined.
8. If the king is virtuous, then the subjects are also virtuous. If the king is
sinful, then the subjects also become sinful. If he is mediocre, then the
subjects are mediocre. The subjects follow the example of the king. In
short, as is the king so are the subjects.
9. I consider him who does not act religiously as dead though living, but
he who dies acting religiously unquestionably lives long though he is
dead.
10. He who has acquired neither virtue, wealth, satisfaction of desires nor
salvation (dharma, artha, kama, moksa), lives an utterly useless life,
like the "nipples" hanging from the neck of a goat.
11. The hearts of base men burn before the fire of other's fame, and they
slander them being themselves unable to rise to such a high position.
12. Excessive attachment to sense pleasures leads to bondage, and
detachment from sense pleasures leads to liberation; therefore it is the
mind alone that is responsible for bondage or liberation.
13. He who sheds bodily identification by means of knowledge of the
indwelling Supreme Self (Paramatma), will always be absorbed in
meditative trance (samadhi) wherever his mind leads him.
14. Who realises all the happiness he desires? Everything is in the hands of
God. Therefore one should learn contentment.
15. As a calf follows its mother among a thousand cows, so the (good or
bad) deeds of a man follow him.
16. He whose actions are disorganised has no happiness either in the midst
of men or in a jungle -- in the midst of men his heart burns by social
contacts, and his helplessness burns him in the forest.
17. As the man who digs obtains underground water by use of a shovel, so
the student attains the knowledge possessed by his preceptor through
his service.
18. Men reap the fruits of their deeds, and intellects bear the mark of deeds
performed in previous lives; even so the wise act after due
circumspection.
19. Even the man who has taught the spiritual significance of just one letter
ought to be worshiped. He who does not give reverence to such a guru
is born as a dog a hundred times, and at last takes birth as a chandala
(dog-eater).
20. At the end of the yuga, Mount Meru may be shaken; at the end of the
kalpa, the waters of the seven oceans may be disturbed; but a sadhu
will never swerve from the spiritual path.
21. There are three gems upon this earth; food, water, and pleasing words --
fools (mudhas) consider pieces of rocks as gems.
doing auspicious deeds. It is useless living even for a kalpa (4,320,000
*1000 years) and bringing only distress upon the two worlds (this world
and the next).
2. We should not fret for what is past, nor should we be anxious about the
future; men of discernment deal only with the present moment.
3. It certainly is nature of the demigods, men of good character, and
parents to be easily pleased. Near and distant relatives are pleased when
they are hospitably received with bathing, food, and drink; and pandits
are pleased with an opportunity for giving spiritual discourse.
4. Even as the unborn babe is in the womb of his mother, these five are
fixed as his life destiny: his life span, his activities, his acquisition of
wealth and knowledge, and his time of death.
5. O see what a wonder it is! The doings of the great are strange: they treat
wealth as light as a straw, yet, when they obtain it, they bend under its
weight.
6. He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and
sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard
attachment to be happy.
7. He who is prepared for the future and he who deals cleverly with any
situation that may arise are both happy; but the fatalistic man who
wholly depends on luck is ruined.
8. If the king is virtuous, then the subjects are also virtuous. If the king is
sinful, then the subjects also become sinful. If he is mediocre, then the
subjects are mediocre. The subjects follow the example of the king. In
short, as is the king so are the subjects.
9. I consider him who does not act religiously as dead though living, but
he who dies acting religiously unquestionably lives long though he is
dead.
10. He who has acquired neither virtue, wealth, satisfaction of desires nor
salvation (dharma, artha, kama, moksa), lives an utterly useless life,
like the "nipples" hanging from the neck of a goat.
11. The hearts of base men burn before the fire of other's fame, and they
slander them being themselves unable to rise to such a high position.
12. Excessive attachment to sense pleasures leads to bondage, and
detachment from sense pleasures leads to liberation; therefore it is the
mind alone that is responsible for bondage or liberation.
13. He who sheds bodily identification by means of knowledge of the
indwelling Supreme Self (Paramatma), will always be absorbed in
meditative trance (samadhi) wherever his mind leads him.
14. Who realises all the happiness he desires? Everything is in the hands of
God. Therefore one should learn contentment.
15. As a calf follows its mother among a thousand cows, so the (good or
bad) deeds of a man follow him.
16. He whose actions are disorganised has no happiness either in the midst
of men or in a jungle -- in the midst of men his heart burns by social
contacts, and his helplessness burns him in the forest.
17. As the man who digs obtains underground water by use of a shovel, so
the student attains the knowledge possessed by his preceptor through
his service.
18. Men reap the fruits of their deeds, and intellects bear the mark of deeds
performed in previous lives; even so the wise act after due
circumspection.
19. Even the man who has taught the spiritual significance of just one letter
ought to be worshiped. He who does not give reverence to such a guru
is born as a dog a hundred times, and at last takes birth as a chandala
(dog-eater).
20. At the end of the yuga, Mount Meru may be shaken; at the end of the
kalpa, the waters of the seven oceans may be disturbed; but a sadhu
will never swerve from the spiritual path.
21. There are three gems upon this earth; food, water, and pleasing words --
fools (mudhas) consider pieces of rocks as gems.
Chanakya Neethi Part 12/17..
1. He is a blessed grhasta (householder) in whose house there is a blissful
atmosphere, whose sons are talented, whose wife speaks sweetly,
whose wealth is enough to satisfy his desires, who finds pleasure in the
company of his wife, whose servants are obedient, in whose house
hospitality is shown, the auspicious Supreme Lord is worshiped daily,
delicious food and drink is partaken, and who finds joy in the company
of devotees.
2. One who devotedly gives a little to a brahmana who is in distress is
recompensed abundantly. Hence, O Prince, what is given to a good
brahmana is got back not in an equal quantity, but in an infinitely
higher degree.
3. Those men who are happy in this world, who are generous towards their
relatives, kind to strangers, indifferent to the wicked, loving to the
good, shrewd in their dealings with the base, frank with the learned,
courageous with enemies, humble with elders and stern with the wife.
4. O jackal, leave aside the body of that man at once, whose hands have
never given in charity, whose ears have not heard the voice of learning,
whose eyes have not beheld a pure devotee of the Lord, whose feet
have never traversed to holy places, whose belly is filled with things
obtained by crooked practices, and whose head is held high in vanity.
Do not eat it, O jackal, otherwise you will become polluted.
5. "Shame upon those who have no devotion to the lotus feet of Sri
Krishna, the son of mother Yasoda; who have no attachment for the
describing the glories of Srimati Radharani; whose ears are not eager to
listen to the stories of the Lord's lila." Such is the exclamation of the
mrdanga sound of dhik-tam dhik-tam dhigatam at kirtana.
6. What fault of spring that the bamboo shoot has no leaves? What fault of
the sun if the owl cannot see during the daytime? Is it the fault of the
clouds if no raindrops fall into the mouth of the chatak bird? Who can
erase what Lord Brahma has inscribed upon our foreheads at the time of
birth?
7. A wicked man may develop saintly qualities in the company of a
devotee, but a devotee does not become impious in the company of a
wicked person. The earth is scented by a flower that falls upon it, but
the flower does not contact the odour of the earth.
8. One indeed becomes blessed by having darshan of a devotee; for the
devotee has the ability to purify immediately, whereas the sacred tirtha
gives purity only after prolonged contact.
9. A stranger asked a brahmana, "Tell me, who is great in this city?" The
brahmana replied, "The cluster of palmyra trees is great." Then the
traveller asked, "Who is the most charitable person?" The brahmana
answered, "The washerman who takes the clothes in the morning and
gives them back in the evening is the most charitable." He then asked,
"Who is the ablest man?" The brahmana answered, "Everyone is expert
in robbing others of their wives and wealth." The man then asked the
brahmana, "How do you manage to live in such a city?" The brahmana
replied, "As a worm survives while even in a filthy place so do I
survive here!"
10. The house in which the lotus feet of brahmanas are not washed, in
which Vedic mantras are not loudly recited, and in which the holy rites
of svaha (sacrificial offerings to the Supreme Lord) and swadha
(offerings to the ancestors) are not performed, is like a crematorium.
11. (It is said that a sadhu, when asked about his family, replied thusly):
truth is my mother, and my father is spiritual knowledge; righteous
conduct is my brother, and mercy is my friend, inner peace is my wife,
and forgiveness is my son: these six are my kinsmen.
12. Our bodies are perishable, wealth is not at all permanent and death is
always nearby. Therefore we must immediately engage in acts of merit.
13. Arjuna says to Krishna. "Brahmanas find joy in going to feasts, cows
find joy in eating their tender grass, wives find joy in the company of
their husbands, and know, O Krishna, that in the same way I rejoice in
battle.
14. He who regards another's wife as his mother, the wealth that does not
belong to him as a lump of mud, and the pleasure and pain of all other
living beings as his own -- truly sees things in the right perspective, and
he is a true pandit.
15. O Raghava, the love of virtue, pleasing speech, and an ardent desire for
performing acts of charity, guileless dealings with friends, humility in
the guru's presence , deep tranquillity of mind, pure conduct,
discernment of virtues, realised knowledge of the sastras, beauty of
form and devotion to God are all found in you." (The great sage
Vasistha Muni, the spiritual preceptor of the dynasty of the sun, said
this to Lord Ramachandra at the time of His proposed coronation).
16. The desire tree is wood; the golden Mount Meru is motionless; the
wish-fulfilling gem cintamani is just a stone; the sun is scorching; the
moon is prone to wane; the boundless ocean is saline; the demigod of
lust lost his body (due to Shiva's wrath); Bali Maharaja, the son of Diti,
was born into a clan of demons; and Kamadhenu (the cow of heaven) is
a mere beast. O Lord of the Raghu dynasty! I cannot compare you to
any one of these (taking their merits into account).
17. Realised learning (vidya) is our friend while travelling , the wife is a
friend at home, medicine is the friend of a sick man, and meritorious
deeds are the friends at death.
18. Courtesy should be learned from princes, the art of conversation from
pandits, lying should be learned from gamblers and deceitful ways
should be learned from women.
19. The unthinking spender, the homeless urchin , the quarrel
monger , the man who neglects his wife and is heedless in
his actions -- all these will soon come to ruination.
20. The wise man should not be anxious about his food; he should be
anxious to be engaged only in dharma (Krishna consciousness). the
food of each man is created for him at his birth.
21. He who is not shy in the acquisition of wealth, grain and knowledge,
and in taking his meals, will be happy
22. As centesimal droppings will fill a pot so also are knowledge, virtue
and wealth gradually obtained.
23. The man who remains a fool even in advanced age is really a fool, just
as the Indra-Varuna fruit does not become sweet no matter how ripe it
might become.
atmosphere, whose sons are talented, whose wife speaks sweetly,
whose wealth is enough to satisfy his desires, who finds pleasure in the
company of his wife, whose servants are obedient, in whose house
hospitality is shown, the auspicious Supreme Lord is worshiped daily,
delicious food and drink is partaken, and who finds joy in the company
of devotees.
2. One who devotedly gives a little to a brahmana who is in distress is
recompensed abundantly. Hence, O Prince, what is given to a good
brahmana is got back not in an equal quantity, but in an infinitely
higher degree.
3. Those men who are happy in this world, who are generous towards their
relatives, kind to strangers, indifferent to the wicked, loving to the
good, shrewd in their dealings with the base, frank with the learned,
courageous with enemies, humble with elders and stern with the wife.
4. O jackal, leave aside the body of that man at once, whose hands have
never given in charity, whose ears have not heard the voice of learning,
whose eyes have not beheld a pure devotee of the Lord, whose feet
have never traversed to holy places, whose belly is filled with things
obtained by crooked practices, and whose head is held high in vanity.
Do not eat it, O jackal, otherwise you will become polluted.
5. "Shame upon those who have no devotion to the lotus feet of Sri
Krishna, the son of mother Yasoda; who have no attachment for the
describing the glories of Srimati Radharani; whose ears are not eager to
listen to the stories of the Lord's lila." Such is the exclamation of the
mrdanga sound of dhik-tam dhik-tam dhigatam at kirtana.
6. What fault of spring that the bamboo shoot has no leaves? What fault of
the sun if the owl cannot see during the daytime? Is it the fault of the
clouds if no raindrops fall into the mouth of the chatak bird? Who can
erase what Lord Brahma has inscribed upon our foreheads at the time of
birth?
7. A wicked man may develop saintly qualities in the company of a
devotee, but a devotee does not become impious in the company of a
wicked person. The earth is scented by a flower that falls upon it, but
the flower does not contact the odour of the earth.
8. One indeed becomes blessed by having darshan of a devotee; for the
devotee has the ability to purify immediately, whereas the sacred tirtha
gives purity only after prolonged contact.
9. A stranger asked a brahmana, "Tell me, who is great in this city?" The
brahmana replied, "The cluster of palmyra trees is great." Then the
traveller asked, "Who is the most charitable person?" The brahmana
answered, "The washerman who takes the clothes in the morning and
gives them back in the evening is the most charitable." He then asked,
"Who is the ablest man?" The brahmana answered, "Everyone is expert
in robbing others of their wives and wealth." The man then asked the
brahmana, "How do you manage to live in such a city?" The brahmana
replied, "As a worm survives while even in a filthy place so do I
survive here!"
10. The house in which the lotus feet of brahmanas are not washed, in
which Vedic mantras are not loudly recited, and in which the holy rites
of svaha (sacrificial offerings to the Supreme Lord) and swadha
(offerings to the ancestors) are not performed, is like a crematorium.
11. (It is said that a sadhu, when asked about his family, replied thusly):
truth is my mother, and my father is spiritual knowledge; righteous
conduct is my brother, and mercy is my friend, inner peace is my wife,
and forgiveness is my son: these six are my kinsmen.
12. Our bodies are perishable, wealth is not at all permanent and death is
always nearby. Therefore we must immediately engage in acts of merit.
13. Arjuna says to Krishna. "Brahmanas find joy in going to feasts, cows
find joy in eating their tender grass, wives find joy in the company of
their husbands, and know, O Krishna, that in the same way I rejoice in
battle.
14. He who regards another's wife as his mother, the wealth that does not
belong to him as a lump of mud, and the pleasure and pain of all other
living beings as his own -- truly sees things in the right perspective, and
he is a true pandit.
15. O Raghava, the love of virtue, pleasing speech, and an ardent desire for
performing acts of charity, guileless dealings with friends, humility in
the guru's presence , deep tranquillity of mind, pure conduct,
discernment of virtues, realised knowledge of the sastras, beauty of
form and devotion to God are all found in you." (The great sage
Vasistha Muni, the spiritual preceptor of the dynasty of the sun, said
this to Lord Ramachandra at the time of His proposed coronation).
16. The desire tree is wood; the golden Mount Meru is motionless; the
wish-fulfilling gem cintamani is just a stone; the sun is scorching; the
moon is prone to wane; the boundless ocean is saline; the demigod of
lust lost his body (due to Shiva's wrath); Bali Maharaja, the son of Diti,
was born into a clan of demons; and Kamadhenu (the cow of heaven) is
a mere beast. O Lord of the Raghu dynasty! I cannot compare you to
any one of these (taking their merits into account).
17. Realised learning (vidya) is our friend while travelling , the wife is a
friend at home, medicine is the friend of a sick man, and meritorious
deeds are the friends at death.
18. Courtesy should be learned from princes, the art of conversation from
pandits, lying should be learned from gamblers and deceitful ways
should be learned from women.
19. The unthinking spender, the homeless urchin , the quarrel
monger , the man who neglects his wife and is heedless in
his actions -- all these will soon come to ruination.
20. The wise man should not be anxious about his food; he should be
anxious to be engaged only in dharma (Krishna consciousness). the
food of each man is created for him at his birth.
21. He who is not shy in the acquisition of wealth, grain and knowledge,
and in taking his meals, will be happy
22. As centesimal droppings will fill a pot so also are knowledge, virtue
and wealth gradually obtained.
23. The man who remains a fool even in advanced age is really a fool, just
as the Indra-Varuna fruit does not become sweet no matter how ripe it
might become.
Chanakya Neethi Part 11/17..
1. Generosity, pleasing address, courage and propriety of conduct are not
acquired, but are inbred qualities.
2. He who forsakes his own community and joins another perishes as the
king who embraces an unrighteous path.
3. The elephant has a huge body but is controlled by the ankusha (goad):
yet, is the goad as large as the elephant? A lighted candle banishes
darkness: is the candle as vast as the darkness. A mountain is broken
even by a thunderbolt: is the thunderbolt therefore as big as the
mountain? No, he whose power prevails is really mighty; what is there
in bulk?
5. He who is engrossed in family life will never acquire knowledge; there
can be no mercy in the eater of flesh; the greedy man will not be
truthful; and purity will not be found in a woman and a hunter.
6. The wicked man will not attain sanctity even if he is instructed in
different ways, and the nim tree will not become sweet even if it is
sprinkled from the top to the roots with milk and ghee.
7. Mental dirt cannot be washed away even by one-hundred baths in the
sacred waters, just as a wine pot cannot be purified even by evaporating
all the wine by fire.
8. It is not strange if a man reviles (Degrades) a thing of which he has no
knowledge, just as a wild hunter's wife throws away the pearl that is
found in the head of an elephant, and picks up a gunj(a type of seed
which poor tribals wear as ornaments).
9. He who for one year eats his meals silently (inwardly meditating upon
the Lord's prasadam); attains to the heavenly planets for a thousand
crore of years. ( Note: one crore equals ten million)
10. The student (brahmacari) should completely renounce the following
eight things -- his lust, anger, greed, desire for sweets, sense of
decorating the body, excessive curiosity, excessive sleep, and excessive
endeavour for bodily maintenance.
12. He alone is a true brahmana (dvija or "twice-born") who is satisfied
with one meal a day, who has the six samskaras (or acts of purification
such as garbhadhana, etc.) performed for him, and who cohabits with
his wife only once in a month on an auspicious day after her menses.
13. The brahmana who is engrossed in worldly affairs, brings up cows and
is engaged in trade is really called a vaishya.
14. The brahmana who deals in lac-die, articles, oil, indigo, silken cloth,
honey, clarified butter, liquor, and flesh is called a shudra.
15. The brahmana who thwarts the doings of others, who is hypocritical,
selfish, and a deceitful hater, and while speaking mildly cherishes
cruelty in his heart, is called a cat.
16. The brahmana who destroys a pond, a well, a tank, a garden and a
temple is called a mleccha.
17. The brahmana who steals the property of the Deities and the spiritual
preceptor, who cohabits with another's wife, and who maintains himself
by eating anything and everything s called a chandala.
18. The meritorious should give away in charity all that they have in excess
of their needs. By charity only Karna, Bali and King Vikramaditya
survive even today. Just see the plight of the honeybees beating their
legs in despair upon the earth. They are saying to themselves, "Alas!
We neither enjoyed our stored-up honey nor gave it in charity, and now
someone has taken it from us in an instant."
acquired, but are inbred qualities.
2. He who forsakes his own community and joins another perishes as the
king who embraces an unrighteous path.
3. The elephant has a huge body but is controlled by the ankusha (goad):
yet, is the goad as large as the elephant? A lighted candle banishes
darkness: is the candle as vast as the darkness. A mountain is broken
even by a thunderbolt: is the thunderbolt therefore as big as the
mountain? No, he whose power prevails is really mighty; what is there
in bulk?
5. He who is engrossed in family life will never acquire knowledge; there
can be no mercy in the eater of flesh; the greedy man will not be
truthful; and purity will not be found in a woman and a hunter.
6. The wicked man will not attain sanctity even if he is instructed in
different ways, and the nim tree will not become sweet even if it is
sprinkled from the top to the roots with milk and ghee.
7. Mental dirt cannot be washed away even by one-hundred baths in the
sacred waters, just as a wine pot cannot be purified even by evaporating
all the wine by fire.
8. It is not strange if a man reviles (Degrades) a thing of which he has no
knowledge, just as a wild hunter's wife throws away the pearl that is
found in the head of an elephant, and picks up a gunj(a type of seed
which poor tribals wear as ornaments).
9. He who for one year eats his meals silently (inwardly meditating upon
the Lord's prasadam); attains to the heavenly planets for a thousand
crore of years. ( Note: one crore equals ten million)
10. The student (brahmacari) should completely renounce the following
eight things -- his lust, anger, greed, desire for sweets, sense of
decorating the body, excessive curiosity, excessive sleep, and excessive
endeavour for bodily maintenance.
12. He alone is a true brahmana (dvija or "twice-born") who is satisfied
with one meal a day, who has the six samskaras (or acts of purification
such as garbhadhana, etc.) performed for him, and who cohabits with
his wife only once in a month on an auspicious day after her menses.
13. The brahmana who is engrossed in worldly affairs, brings up cows and
is engaged in trade is really called a vaishya.
14. The brahmana who deals in lac-die, articles, oil, indigo, silken cloth,
honey, clarified butter, liquor, and flesh is called a shudra.
15. The brahmana who thwarts the doings of others, who is hypocritical,
selfish, and a deceitful hater, and while speaking mildly cherishes
cruelty in his heart, is called a cat.
16. The brahmana who destroys a pond, a well, a tank, a garden and a
temple is called a mleccha.
17. The brahmana who steals the property of the Deities and the spiritual
preceptor, who cohabits with another's wife, and who maintains himself
by eating anything and everything s called a chandala.
18. The meritorious should give away in charity all that they have in excess
of their needs. By charity only Karna, Bali and King Vikramaditya
survive even today. Just see the plight of the honeybees beating their
legs in despair upon the earth. They are saying to themselves, "Alas!
We neither enjoyed our stored-up honey nor gave it in charity, and now
someone has taken it from us in an instant."
Chanakya Neethi Part 10/17..
1. One destitute of wealth is not destitute, he is indeed rich (if he is
learned); but the man devoid of learning is destitute in every way.
2. We should carefully scrutinise that place upon which we step (having
it ascertained to be free from filth and living creatures like insects,
etc.); we should drink water which has been filtered (through a clean
cloth); we should speak only those words which have the sanction of
the satras; and do that act which we have carefully considered.
3. He who desires sense gratification must give up all thoughts of
acquiring knowledge; and he who seeks knowledge must not hope for
sense gratification. How can he who seeks sense gratification acquire
knowledge, and he who possesses knowledge enjoy mundane sense
pleasure?
4. What is it that escapes the observation of poets? What is that act
women are incapable of doing? What will drunken people not prate?
What will not a crow eat?
5. Fate makes a beggar a king and a king a beggar. He makes a rich man
poor and a poor man rich.
6. The beggar is a miser's enemy; the wise counsellor is the fool's
enemy; her husband is an adulterous wife's enemy; and the moon is
the enemy of the thief.
7. Those who are destitute of learning, penance, knowledge, good
disposition, virtue and benevolence are brutes wandering the earth in
the form of men. They are burdensome to the earth.
8. Those that are empty-minded cannot be benefited by instruction.
Bamboo does not acquire the quality of sandalwood by being
associated with the Malaya Mountain.
9. What good can the scriptures do to a man who has no sense of his
own? Of what use is as mirror to a blind man?
10. Nothing can reform a bad man, just as the posterious cannot become a
superior part of the body though washed one hundred times.
11. By offending a kinsman, life is lost; by offending others, wealth is
lost; by offending the king, everything is lost; and by offending a
brahmana one's whole family is ruined.
12. It is better to live under a tree in a jungle inhabited by tigers and
elephants, to maintain oneself in such a place with ripe fruits and
spring water, to lie down on grass and to wear the ragged barks of
trees than to live amongst one's relations when reduced to poverty.
13. The brahmana is like tree; his prayers are the roots, his chanting of
the Vedas are the branches, and his religious act are the leaves.
Consequently effort should be made to preserve his roots for if the
roots are destroyed there can be no branches or leaves.
14. My mother is Kamala devi (Lakshmi), my father is Lord Janardana
(Vishnu), my kinsmen are the Vishnu-bhaktas (Vaisnavas) and, my
homeland is all the three worlds.
15. (Through the night) a great many kinds of birds perch(Sit and rest) on
a tree but in the morning they fly in all the ten directions. Why should
we lament (Expression of sorrow) for that? (Similarly, we should not
grieve when we must inevitably part company from our dear ones).
16. He who possesses intelligence is strong; how can the man that is
unintelligent be powerful? The elephant of the forest having lost his
senses by intoxication was tricked into a lake by a small rabbit. (this
verse refers to a famous story from the niti-sastra called pancatantra
compiled by the pandit Vishnusharma 2500 years ago).
17. Why should I be concerned for my maintenance while absorbed in
praising the glories of Lord Vishwambhara (Vishnu), the supporter of
all. Without the grace of Lord Hari, how could milk flow from a
mother's breast for a child's nourishment? Repeatedly thinking only in
this way, O Lord of the Yadus, O husband of Lakshmi, all my time is
spent in serving Your lotus feet.
learned); but the man devoid of learning is destitute in every way.
2. We should carefully scrutinise that place upon which we step (having
it ascertained to be free from filth and living creatures like insects,
etc.); we should drink water which has been filtered (through a clean
cloth); we should speak only those words which have the sanction of
the satras; and do that act which we have carefully considered.
3. He who desires sense gratification must give up all thoughts of
acquiring knowledge; and he who seeks knowledge must not hope for
sense gratification. How can he who seeks sense gratification acquire
knowledge, and he who possesses knowledge enjoy mundane sense
pleasure?
4. What is it that escapes the observation of poets? What is that act
women are incapable of doing? What will drunken people not prate?
What will not a crow eat?
5. Fate makes a beggar a king and a king a beggar. He makes a rich man
poor and a poor man rich.
6. The beggar is a miser's enemy; the wise counsellor is the fool's
enemy; her husband is an adulterous wife's enemy; and the moon is
the enemy of the thief.
7. Those who are destitute of learning, penance, knowledge, good
disposition, virtue and benevolence are brutes wandering the earth in
the form of men. They are burdensome to the earth.
8. Those that are empty-minded cannot be benefited by instruction.
Bamboo does not acquire the quality of sandalwood by being
associated with the Malaya Mountain.
9. What good can the scriptures do to a man who has no sense of his
own? Of what use is as mirror to a blind man?
10. Nothing can reform a bad man, just as the posterious cannot become a
superior part of the body though washed one hundred times.
11. By offending a kinsman, life is lost; by offending others, wealth is
lost; by offending the king, everything is lost; and by offending a
brahmana one's whole family is ruined.
12. It is better to live under a tree in a jungle inhabited by tigers and
elephants, to maintain oneself in such a place with ripe fruits and
spring water, to lie down on grass and to wear the ragged barks of
trees than to live amongst one's relations when reduced to poverty.
13. The brahmana is like tree; his prayers are the roots, his chanting of
the Vedas are the branches, and his religious act are the leaves.
Consequently effort should be made to preserve his roots for if the
roots are destroyed there can be no branches or leaves.
14. My mother is Kamala devi (Lakshmi), my father is Lord Janardana
(Vishnu), my kinsmen are the Vishnu-bhaktas (Vaisnavas) and, my
homeland is all the three worlds.
15. (Through the night) a great many kinds of birds perch(Sit and rest) on
a tree but in the morning they fly in all the ten directions. Why should
we lament (Expression of sorrow) for that? (Similarly, we should not
grieve when we must inevitably part company from our dear ones).
16. He who possesses intelligence is strong; how can the man that is
unintelligent be powerful? The elephant of the forest having lost his
senses by intoxication was tricked into a lake by a small rabbit. (this
verse refers to a famous story from the niti-sastra called pancatantra
compiled by the pandit Vishnusharma 2500 years ago).
17. Why should I be concerned for my maintenance while absorbed in
praising the glories of Lord Vishwambhara (Vishnu), the supporter of
all. Without the grace of Lord Hari, how could milk flow from a
mother's breast for a child's nourishment? Repeatedly thinking only in
this way, O Lord of the Yadus, O husband of Lakshmi, all my time is
spent in serving Your lotus feet.
Chanakya Neethi Part 9/17..
1. My dear child, if you desire to be free from the cycle of birth and death,
then abandon the objects of sense gratification as poison. Drink instead
the nectar of forbearance, upright conduct, mercy, cleanliness and truth.
2. Those base men who speak of the secret faults of others destroy
themselves like serpents who stray onto anthills.
3. Perhaps nobody has advised Lord Brahma, the creator, to impart
perfume to gold; fruit to the sugarcane; flowers to the sandalwood tree;
wealth to the learned; and long life to the king.
4. Nectar (amrita) is the best among medicines; eating good food is the
best of all types of material happiness; the eye is the chief among all
organs; and the head occupies the chief position among all parts of the
body.
5. No messenger can travel about in the sky and no tidings come from
there. The voice of its inhabitants as never heard, nor can any contact be
established with them. Therefore the brahmana who predicts the eclipse
of the sun and moon which occur in the sky must be considered as a
vidwan (man of great learning).
6. The student, the servant, the traveller, the hungry person, the frightened
man, the treasury guard, and the steward: these seven ought to be
awakened if they fall asleep.
7. The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the
dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be
awakened from sleep.
8. Of those who have studied the Vedas for material rewards, and those
who accept foodstuffs offered by shudras, what potency have they?
They are just like serpents without fangs.
9. He who neither rouses fear by his anger, nor confers a favour when he
is pleased can neither control nor protect. What can he do?
10. The serpent may, without being poisonous, raise high its hood, but the
show of terror is enough to frighten people -- whether he be venomous
or not.
11. Wise men spend their mornings in discussing gambling, the afternoon
discussing the activities of women, and the night hearing about the
activities of theft. (The first item above refers to the gambling of King
Yuddhisthira, the great devotee of Krishna. The second item refers to
the glorious deeds of mother Sita, the consort of Lord Ramachandra.
The third item hints at the adorable childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna
who stole butter from the elderly cowherd ladies of Gokula. Hence
Chanakya Pandits advises wise persons to spend the morning absorbed
in Mahabharata, the afternoon studying Ramayana, and the evening
devotedly hearing the Srimad-Bhagvatam.)
12. By preparing a garland for a Deity with one's own hand; by grinding
sandal paste for the Lord with one's own hand; and by writing sacred
texts with one's own hand -- one becomes blessed with opulence equal
to that of Indra.
13. ...
14. Poverty is set off by fortitude; shabby garments by keeping them clean;
bad food by warming it; and ugliness by good behaviour.
then abandon the objects of sense gratification as poison. Drink instead
the nectar of forbearance, upright conduct, mercy, cleanliness and truth.
2. Those base men who speak of the secret faults of others destroy
themselves like serpents who stray onto anthills.
3. Perhaps nobody has advised Lord Brahma, the creator, to impart
perfume to gold; fruit to the sugarcane; flowers to the sandalwood tree;
wealth to the learned; and long life to the king.
4. Nectar (amrita) is the best among medicines; eating good food is the
best of all types of material happiness; the eye is the chief among all
organs; and the head occupies the chief position among all parts of the
body.
5. No messenger can travel about in the sky and no tidings come from
there. The voice of its inhabitants as never heard, nor can any contact be
established with them. Therefore the brahmana who predicts the eclipse
of the sun and moon which occur in the sky must be considered as a
vidwan (man of great learning).
6. The student, the servant, the traveller, the hungry person, the frightened
man, the treasury guard, and the steward: these seven ought to be
awakened if they fall asleep.
7. The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the
dog owned by other people, and the fool: these seven ought not to be
awakened from sleep.
8. Of those who have studied the Vedas for material rewards, and those
who accept foodstuffs offered by shudras, what potency have they?
They are just like serpents without fangs.
9. He who neither rouses fear by his anger, nor confers a favour when he
is pleased can neither control nor protect. What can he do?
10. The serpent may, without being poisonous, raise high its hood, but the
show of terror is enough to frighten people -- whether he be venomous
or not.
11. Wise men spend their mornings in discussing gambling, the afternoon
discussing the activities of women, and the night hearing about the
activities of theft. (The first item above refers to the gambling of King
Yuddhisthira, the great devotee of Krishna. The second item refers to
the glorious deeds of mother Sita, the consort of Lord Ramachandra.
The third item hints at the adorable childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna
who stole butter from the elderly cowherd ladies of Gokula. Hence
Chanakya Pandits advises wise persons to spend the morning absorbed
in Mahabharata, the afternoon studying Ramayana, and the evening
devotedly hearing the Srimad-Bhagvatam.)
12. By preparing a garland for a Deity with one's own hand; by grinding
sandal paste for the Lord with one's own hand; and by writing sacred
texts with one's own hand -- one becomes blessed with opulence equal
to that of Indra.
13. ...
14. Poverty is set off by fortitude; shabby garments by keeping them clean;
bad food by warming it; and ugliness by good behaviour.
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