Chanakya Neeti: Chapter 13

The points stated below reflect the ideas illustrated in the 13th chapter of Chanakya Neeti. Have a look:

It is better to live for three-quarters of an hour doing good deeds than living a sinful life for thousands of years. It is your acts that count, not your life span.

One must not be afraid of the future, nor shall regret upon the past. Wise men concentrate on utilizing the present to frame a brighter future.

Good people, your deity, and your father will not be demanding anything from you. You can satisfy your kith and kins by offering good food, and to satisfy learned men, a few polite words of wisdom will do the job.

The nature of noble people is quite strange. Instead of acting arrogant upon attaining wealth, they bow down in humility and act more modestly and respectfully.

One must give up infatuation in order to remain happy and to gain control over life. Infatuation is the root cause of many troubles and worries.

One who plans and prepares himself to face challenges and difficulties is most likely to succeed against them. On the other hand, if a man leaves everything on luck, then he will perish for sure.

If a king is religious, then his subjects will be spiritual. If a king is sinful, then his subjects will be immoral. Also, the subjects of a careless king will be irresponsible. The conclusion is that “As a king will be, so will be his subjects”

A man without religion is living dead, while a religious man lives even after his death. [Also, to be noted that Chanakya said that “The greatest religion is of humanity”]

Like the udders on the neck of a goat are useless. In the same manner, the life of a person is pointless; if he has no wealth, no love, and is devoid of religion with no hope of salvation.

It is characteristic of lowly people that they enjoy belittling successful people and envy them.

The attitude of a person plays a very significant role in his life. At instances, he finds himself bound by the worldly desires, and with a slight change in state-of-mind, he can also set himself free.

It is not possible to fulfill each and every desire. Your fate will not be able to serve them all. The solution is that the man must feel satisfied with whatever possessions he has. [Must not confuse it with state of inaction and feeling contented]

Even in the herd of thousands, the calf finds its mother. In the same way, the actions of a person follow him. You can’t run from your deeds.

A disorganized person finds no peace no matter where he goes. In a civilized society, he faces the criticism of others. In a forest, he feels lonely.

Like you get water on digging, in the same way on serving/comforting your guru you will gain knowledge.  [There is a difference between preacher, teacher, and Guru]

Each individual gets rewarded as per his deeds. This is why wise men think about the outcome before indulging themselves in any task.

One who doesn’t show respect to God takes a hundred births in yoni of a dog and then is born as a charlatan.

In the end, the mighty Sumeru mountain will be uprooted from its base and the land will be wiped away by the sea. Even then, the superior people will be stand firm on their resolve to fulfill their promises.

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 Chanakya Niti: Chapter 12      Chapter 14.