Chanakya Aphorism

Chanakya, who lived in 4th Century BC, was a leadership guru par excellence


CHANAKYA was undoubtedly ancient India's finest Political Strategist and Thinker. The teaching of Chanakya is the real nourishment of life.

Chanakya's brand of wisdom is ageless and immutable. Chanakya expounds his views with amazing foresight and charity. It has a large smattering of pithy observations on Women, Family Life, Human Relationships, Moral Conduct and Spirituality. His startling prophecies, meaningful reflections on everyday living and heard headed axioms.

1  It is painful to waste one's time, advising a silly disciple, indulging a quarrelsome wife, and listening to others tales of woe. 
2 If one casts aside that which can be obtained, and pursues that, which is out of one's reach, then one will lose both the obtainable and the unobtainable.
3  Never trust rivers, women, descendants of royal families, men with weapons, and animals endowed with horns and claws.
4 Authentic jewels and sandalwood are not seen everywhere. Occasionally, they are found in rare places. The saints are equally hard to come by. The adage, " All that glitters is not gold" always holds good. There is too much artificially in the world. One must be discovering to recognise that, which is authentic.
5  Everything is significant in its own unique way. The king gives maximum importance to the welfare of his subjects. A Bania ( Merchant) has only his business in mind. Knowledge is the only concern of an erudite man. A bewitching wife truly beautiful her house.
6  When the deer senses a forest fire, he is quick to forsake the forest. Similarly, once the Brahmin has accepted Dakshina (reward given to Brahmin after the rituals), he is quick to leave. Once the disciple has gleaned knowledge from the master, he promptly takes his leave from him.
7  He, who is steeped in debt, dishonored by his own kith and kin, separated from his wife, and limited by wicked men, will experienced terrible heartache.
8  The trees that grows on the riverbank is to pitied. Similarly, a woman who deserts her husband for another man, and a king who is without a judicious minister, suffer a sorry plight.
9  Birds deserts trees which are bare; a prostitute abandons a poor, destitute man; and subjects abandon a powerless king. This always true.
10  Pure happiness is just impossible on earth. There is no clan which is free of particular moral frailties. One's physical stamina is constantly threatened by disease. Suffering will also dog one like an inseparable shadow.
11  One's behavior will reveal which clan one has descended from. One's speech will reveal one's nationality. One's respect for others reflects the measure of grace and love in one's heart. One's body mirrors the kind of food one consumes.
12  A nightingale's greatest asset is its melodious voice. A woman's greatest asset is her fidelity. A man's power lies in his knowledge. A sage's glory lies in his ability to forgive folly.
13  One must be ready to renounce one's family, village, nation, and even the world, for the sake of one's self respect.
14  All excesses are hazardous. Sita, the ideal wife and companion, was abducted by Ravana. Ravana's terrible self-conceit led to the devastation of his whole clan. Bali's excessively charitable nature led him to bondage.
15  Once a man's ambition is kindled, nothing can stop him. For a businessman, no country can be too far. For a wise man, there is no such thing as a foreign land. He is at home wherever he goes.
16  A peevish wife, a foolish son, and a widow in the house, can really incense a man. Serving a depraved clan, and residing in the vicinity of a quarrelsome man, will also raise a man's wrath. He will be ablaze with passionate furry.
17  One must always forsake a peevish wife, disrespectful brothers, a master, who is neither wise nor erudite, and the religion which does not practice mercy.
18  Undigested food will bring about physical maladies; the company of the poor will make one look weary; and the marriage of an old man to a young lady will result in sexual dissatisfaction, conflict and estrangement.
19  If one's knowledge of the scriptures is not put into practice, then the years of study will have gone to waste.
20  Charity removes poverty. Amiability and equanimity will put an end to all kinds of suffering. A sharp intellect will dispel the darkness of one's ignorance, and noble intentions will blot out all fear from our minds.
21  One's ignorance is one's most powerful enemy. One's anger will scorch the very core of one's heart. It is even more powerful than fire. The attainment of knowledge and wisdom is the greatest happiness that one can experience.
22  No man can escape the consequences of his actions. One's action will chase one like an persistent shadow. One creates one's own heaven or hell. Ultimately, emancipation can be attained only through rigorous effort and penance.Only man's Karma will guide him after he has abandoned earthly life. Good Karma is like medicine given to the ailing man; like knowledge for the ignorant soul.
23  It is virtually impossible to see through the hearts of the crow, the jackal, the barber, and the gardener's wife. They are extremely clever and crafty. It is very difficult to know what goes on in their minds.
24  Whereas a bronze pot is cleaned using ash, tamarind is employed to clean a copper pot.. A woman is considered pure after menstruation. A river is cleansed of its filth by the rapid and unobstructed flow of water.
25  Those who pose as saints, while secretly behaving in an irreligious and ignoble manner, are contemptible creatures. But those men who slander others, and spread malicious rumors about them, are the meanest creatures on this planet.



Chanakya's Aphorism On Morality



CHANAKYA was undoubtedly ancient India's finest Political Strategist and Thinker. The teaching of Chanakya are the real nourishment of life.

CHANKAYA's brand of wisdom is ageless and immutable. Chanakya expounds his views with amazing foresight and charity. It has a large smattering of pithy Observations on Women, Family Life, Human Relationships, Moral Conduct and Spirituality. His startling prophecies, meaningful reflections on everyday living and heard headed axioms.
 
The basic purpose of  Chanakya-Neeti is to impart knowledge on every practical aspect of life. 



1. What can all the scriptures do for a person devoid of his own wisdom? What use a blind man has for a mirror?
2. All sermons are wasted on a person devoid of wisdom. Even if grown in the Malayaachal (the area abounding with sandal trees) the bamboo cannot become the sandalwood!
3. The mean aspire only for wealth, the mediocre yearn for wealth and honor both while the nobles care only for honor. The real treasure of great men is only honor.
4.Virtues gleam more when they are in a wise person like a gem adding to the beauty when embedded in gold.
5. It is virtues which enhance one's stature and not the high position. Even if perched atop a royal palace, a crow cannot become Gaur (the Aquila bird of mythological origin, believed to be the lord of the birds).
6. An uneducated person is useless even if he might be belonging to a renowned family. A scholar, despite belonging to a lowly rated family, is adored by even the gods.
7. A student desirous of getting education must shun the following eight activities; sexual intercourse, gratification of the tongue, showing anger and greed, caring for personal beautification, moving about the fair and fate for entertainment, excessive sleeping and indulging in anything excessively. [In short Chanakya says that for getting education the student must perform a rigorous penance complete with all the severe austerities. He who tries to get education in comfort fails to get it in reality and vice verse.]
8. If one craves for comfort, then he should drop the idea of studying and if one wants to study sincerely then he should stop craving for comfort. One cannot get comfort and education simultaneously.
9. An educated man- a scholar gets accolades from all and earns reputation in the society. Since education helps one get everything one desires in life it is adored everything.
10. Although the foolishness (of the self) and (insurmountable) youthful exuberance cause grief yet the greatest grief is caused by one's (forced) stay at other's house.
11. Death of wife in the old age, money under-brother's control and the dependence on others for daily bread cause a great anomaly, hence grief in one's life.
12. Residence in the village of wicked persons service to lowly family, un-nourished foul speaking wife, foolish sons, widowed daughter all, these incinerate the body even without fire.
13. Separation from the beloved, insult by the close relations, unpaid debt, service to a wicked king poverty and association of the crooked persons incinerate the body even without fire.
14. Uncontrollable sexual craving is the most deadly disease; ignorance and infatuation are the most deadly foes, wrath is the most deadly fire and knowledge of the self is the happiness supreme.
15. The nectar of satisfaction be getting peace and happiness cannot be available for the people hankering after material after material riches and physical pleasures.
16.Away from home, in the foreign strand, one knowledge is one's best friend, inside home one's wife is one's best friend. For a patient the best friend is efficacious medicine while after death one's Dharma (Religion) is one's best friend.
17. A father bequeathing the loan; a mother of loose morals; a wife extremely beautiful and a foolish son- all should be deemed as enemies.
18. Those parents who don't take interest in their son's education (or who don't provide him with good education) are verily his enemies. An uneducated man among the educated ones looks as a crow among the swans.
19. Do not hesitate in getting nectar even from poison if it be available and gold even from the filth. Accept good knowledge even from a pariah and good girl even from a low family.
20. A wise man shouldn't hesitate marrying an UN-beautiful girl, if she happens to be belonging to a reputed, good family. But even if a girl be extremely beautiful, the wise man shouldn't marry her if she be from a lowly, ill-reputed family, for matrimonial alliance is best established between the families of equal status.
21. Women have a knack of talking to one man, casting an askew glance at other and loving secretly a third man. They can't devotedly love just one man.
22. A woman is by nature liar courageous deceitful, foolish, greedy impious and cruel. These are the innate attributes of a woman
23. (In comparison to a man) A woman has double of appetite, four times more shyness, six times more courage and eight times more the sexual desire.
24. Like gold is tested by rubbing; cutting, heating and beating so also man is tested by his sacrifice, moral conduct, innate qualities and his actions.
25. It is better for a foolish son to die early rather than survive long, because by dying he would give sorrow only once but by surviving he would cause grief sorrow every moment of his survival by his repeated acts of foolishness. A worthless son is better dead than alive.
26. What value is of that cow which neither conceives nor gives milk? The same way what worth is of that who is neither educated nor devoted to God?
27. Just one dry tree on catching fire, can burn the whole orchard to ashes, similarly, one incompetent, bad son ruins the entire family.
28. One worthy son is better than a hundred incompetent and useless sons. The moon also is capable of destroying the darkness which even thousand of stars fail to achieve.
29. No use producing many sons causing worry and sorrow. One worthy son is enough who may support the entire family.
30. One well blossomed and sweet smelling flower is enough to turn the whole garden fragrant. Similarly, one worthy son is enough to bring glory to the whole family.
31. A wise, well educated and worthy son alone is enough to bring glory to the family like the lonely moon is enough to benighted the night with charms.
32. Rear up your son affectionately till he is five year old then admonish him strictly for next ten years. When he turns sixteen, start treating him as your friend.
33. The wife of the king, the wife of the guru (teacher), the wife of the friend, the mother of wife and one's own mother- these five ladies deserve the status of mother.
34. One should always be satisfied (i) with his wife,(ii) with his diet and (iii) with his wealth; but never with (i) his studies, (ii) his austerity and penance and (iii) with his donations and gifts to the deserving persons.
35. If you want to overpower the entire world merely by just one action, then put restraint upon your tongue speaking ill of others.
36. No penance is greater than the one done for maintaining peace no happiness is better than the one received from satisfaction no disease as more damaging than greed and Dharma (religion) is better than the one having compassion for all.
37. If you want to overpower the entire world merely by just one action, then put restraint upon your tongue speaking ill others.
38. Even if the destination or the desired object be far away or difficult to achieve one can reach it or get it if one is determined. Nothing is impossible for a determined person.
39. Bondage is indulgence in vices and renunciation of them is liberation. Thus it is mind which drives one to bondage or to liberation.
40. One gets everything according to one's destiny. One's action, response, reaction- all are guided by the factors of destiny.

41. Truth stabilizes the world, makes the sun shine and the wind blow. Truth establishes well everything in life.
42. Death is away till one's body is healthy. Hence one should achieve one's welfare till one is healthy, for death ceases all activities.
43. Who gets all that one aspire for? Everything one gets is what is destined for one. Hence all must seek satisfaction in whatever they receive.
44.It is one's fate that makes a beggar a king or a king a beggar, a rich man a pauper or a pauper rich.
45. Age, profession, financial status, level of education and death-these five basic parameters of human life are ordained when the being is in the embryonic form.
46. It is after the constant practice of many lives that man attains to the capacity to learn, to do penance or to dole out alms.
47. Poverty, disease, grief, bondage and all the infatuation addictions are the fruits of the tree of sin of the person.
48. Like a calf finds the mother-cow even if there be thousands of cows, so the consequence of an action searches its doer unerringly.
49. All riches, vitality, life and body are fickle and fey; only the Dharma (Religion) is constant and everlasting.
50. God dwells not in the wooden, or stony or earthen idols. He abode is in our feelings, our thoughts.
51. Riches, vitality, life, body-all are fickle and fey; only Dharma is constant and everlasting.




Chanakya - His Teachings And Advice


Chanakya niti on human life


CHANAKYA was undoubtedly ancient India's finest political strategist and thinker. Chanakya's brand of wisdom is ageless and immutable. Chanakya expounds his smattering of Pithy observations on women, family life, human relationships, moral conduct and spirituality. His startling prophecies, meaningful reflection on everyday living and hard-headed axioms, make him a rich repository of profundity and reason. His teachings are like the comforting hand of a mother like a raft to save you from floundering in the ocean of life. He has kept you from getting lost in the dead of night.

Chanakya's amazing knowledge of human psychology his masterly insight into every facet of human life can be seen reflected in the following maxims.

  • Worship of elders is the root of humility.
  • With wisdom, one can prosper.
  • Work is the root of wealth.
  • Nothing is attainable by the truthful.
  • Donation is righteousness.
  • The bonds of good conduct should never be crossed.
  • The untrustworthy should not be trusted.
  • Good behaviour wins even on an enemy.
  • The low minded are fond of deception.
  • No one should ever be disrespected.
  • The donation follows wealth.
  • Don't debate with fools.
  • A desire for others prosperity is the root of destruction.
  • Overindulgence in senses ages one fast.
  • One should serve a learned master.
  • There is no enemy equal to arrogance.
  • Fame is glorified by learning.
  • Modesty is the ornament of women.
  • A sound intellect in a sound body.
  • Prosperity depends on intellect.
  • Truth leads one to heaven.
  • Good living enhances life span and reputation.
  • There is no scripture greater than good conduct.
  • Women in the field of all evil.


The Teachings of Chanakya are the real nourishment of life. Even if years and centuries go by, even if natural calamities change the face of the planet, the teaching of the great beings spring forth a new. Or from time to time they are unearthed old treasure perhaps, but still alive with consciousness still essentials. Such teachings are never destroyed. nor does the subtle presence of such divine beings ever diminish. Chanakya was Brahmin by caste and he lived during the period 350-275 B.C.

Chanakya was actively involved with Chandragupta Emperor of India as his Chief Minister between 323 and 298 B.C. and gave him his wise advice in all critical and crucial state-related matters.

Chanakya has given considerable thought to each goal of life and as a result, is in a position to give valuable advice on each precept. All the assignments begin after discussion and advice.

  1. If the right advice is followed success comes early.
  2. The secrets of the state should not be revealed to anyone.
  3. Our rivals get to know our secrets if we are proud.
  4. Secrets thoughts and opinions must be secured with all means.
  5. Right planning is like wealth which makes progress in the state.
  6. One should not be stubborn during counselling/discussion.
  7. When the opinions are discussed among many people, the opinions are judge well.
  8. A friend who keeps his friendliness even during difficult days is a true friend.
  9. People become friends or enemies due to some reasons.
  10. Iron can not join unless it is heated.
  11. Only powerful should attack the weak. Don't fight with equally or more powerful people.
  12. The shelter of a weak brings sadness.
  13. A person indulged in bad habits can never be successful in his assignments.
  14. A person indulged in gambling can not complete any of his assignments.
  15. A person indulged in sexual activities can not accomplish any of his assignments.
  16. A person is responsible for his development or ruin.
  17. All the assignments can be accomplished with a few endeavours if money is available.
  18. Work is not difficult if properly planned.
  19. An accomplished work can be ruined if it is not properly projected.
  20. A work is completed if the person is determined to do.
  21. Fortune follows the velour.
  22. Fortune helps only hard-working people. A person who depends only on his fortune achieves nothing.
  23. The decision should be taken before beginning work.
  24. A fickle minded/an unsteady person can never get success in any work.
  25. It is rare to furnish a work without any flaw.
  26. Even a lucky fellow who does his work without proper thinking/planning is deprived of wealth.
  27. The things must be examined through probe and knowledge.
  28. The one who knows the proper tactics can make a difficult task easy.
  29. The work done by ignorant people should not be given any importance.
  30. Fools start looking for flaws if difficulties in work come.
  31. A calf attacks on the udder of mother cow for milk.
  32. The persons who run away from their responsibilities can never nourish their dependents.
  33. Never share your secrets with a low-grade person.
  34. A person of polite nature is even insulted by his dependents.
  35. An intellect who does not remain serious never receives honour from society.
  36. The anger of fools ruins them only.
  37. Nothing is impossible for truthful people.
  38. Success can not be achieved only with bravery.
  39. The destruction in present is better than the destruction in future.
  40. The only one who ignores the money coming from injustice is a holy man.
  41. The faith should be secured more than life.
  42. The one who listens to a back-bitter is even deserted by his wife and son.
  43. Never rely on a loose character person.
  44. Even a favour done by an enemy can be harmful.
  45. With the support of a talented person, an untalented person becomes talented.
  46. Water mixed poured into milk becomes milk.
  47. Soil if remains in touch with flower produce fragrance.
  48. Silver become gold when mixed with gold.
  49. A foolish person does wrong in lieu of right.
  50. A sinful person is not afraid of ill-fame.
  51. Even fortune is ruined in the absence of enthusiasm.
  52. Dive into the water and draw benefits like a fisher.
  53. Those who are not reliable, never trust them. Poison is poison in every circumstance.
  54. If you want to save your money, leave the company of your enemies.
  55. Every relationship is linked with the target.
  56. Keep your enemy engaged in artificial behaviour until you find his weakness.
  57. Attack only on the weakness of an enemy.
  58. Never tell anyone about your weakness.
  59. No advice should be given to a bad person.
  60. True love is expressed not in words but in deeds.
  61. An impatient person gets ruined on enjoying luxuries in excess.
  62. Don't argue with fools.
  63. Speak to a fool in a fool's language.
  64. A fool does not have any friend.
  65. Only religion holds a man.
  66. A person wins the world through religion.
  67. The present calamities are forecast by the behaviour of nature.
  68. Virtue less intelligence destroys itself.
  69. Never tell any secret things to a back-bitter.
  70. Even if a mother is bad, she deserved to be deserted.
  71. If a stranger is your well-wisher, treat him like your brother.
  72. If an ugly person possesses wealth, he becomes a person of beautiful appearance.
  73. A mean fellow is not afraid of insult.
  74. Skilled people are not afraid of losing their livelihood.
  75. The people who do right are not afraid of death.
  76. Awareness at every time becomes the cause of success.
  77. The skills of a loose character are to increase the sinful activities.
  78. If you make a snake drink milk, you increase its venom/not nectar.
  79. There is no enemy like hunger.
  80. A man who expects flower never waters a dry plant.
  81. Performing a task which makes no money is like dragging oil from sand.
  82. The conduct can not be changed.
  83. The punishment should be given according to the mistake.
  84. A fool always finds faults with others, he never sees his own faults.
  85. More honour offered by old friends/acquaintances is suspicious.
  86. A wife is a shackle without iron.
  87. One who excels in a particular field, that person should be given that job only.
  88. Don't rely upon women.
  89. Women don't have wordily wisdom and moral ethics.
  90. Talent in abundance is covered by jewels.
  91. Shyness is the jewels of women.
  92. Never increase intimacy with a woman who works in a royal palace.
  93. The one who is going to be ruined, the good thoughts don't come to him.
  94. Age and fame are increased by good conduct.
  95. Don't follow one leaving many.
  96. Don't make relations with crafty people though you are lucky.
  97. Loan, enemy and diseases should be destroyed from the root.
  98. Development or destruction is controlled by one's speech/tongue.
  99. The tongue is the source of poison or nectar.
  100. One addicted to gambling does not accomplish anything.


Chanakya - Essential Precepts



CHANAKYA was undoubtedly ancient India's finest Political Strategist and Thinker. The Teaching of Chanakya are the real nourishment of life.

CHANKAYA's brand of wisdom is ageless and immutable. Chanakya expounds his views with amazing foresight and charity. It has a large smattering of pity observations on Women, Family Life, Human Relationships, Moral Conduct and Spirituality. His startling prophecies, meaningful reflections on everyday living and heard headed axioms.


INVALUABLE ADVICE: A man who opens his heart to others, will meet a tragic end. If one is concerned about one's welfare, then one should take care never to reveal one's heart. It would be wise to act upon such invaluable advice. He, who pays little heed to such counsel, will die as miserably as a snake trapped in its hole. One who acts upon such guidance, will remain invulnerable and invincible.

OSTENTATION: Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should not stop hissing under any circumstance. The snake will have only its hiss to ward off human beings and protect itself. Without this protective pretense, even a little child could stone it to death. 

A little ostentation is necessary in this world. Without the minimum of ostentation, a man's worth will remain unrecognized.

INCORRIGIBILITY: An incorrigible man cannot be converted into a saint, unless he has a powerful yearning to become one. However thoroughly an anus is cleansed, it will always remain an unsanctified anus.

THE CLOUD VISION: A man can be possessed by various kinds of blindness. Some, unfortunately, are born blind. There are others who have been blessed with vision, but owing to various reasons, they are blind to life around them. Such men are not blind- they are blindfolded.

Others are blinded by sex, greed and inebriety. These people are so blinded by their vices, that they are incapable of seeing things as they are. Their perception is clouded to such an extent, that they seem oblivious to the hell they have created for themselves. They stumble through life like blind men.

EXPLOITATION: If one wishes to fulfill one's ends. It is important to keep the likes, dislikes, prejudices, inclinations and weaknesses of others in mind. Flash money before the greedy man, be respectful to the egoist; keep up a pretense of truthfulness before the wise man; and allow the imbecile to behave as he wishes to.

If one behaves in the above-mentioned ways, one's prey becomes vulnerable to exploitation

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED: One should stay at least thousand feet away from an elephant, a hundred feet away from a horse, and ten feet away from any animal with horns. If one keeps a distance from the above-mentioned animals, one can learn a great deal about their intentions and their aggression.

If one should encounter a wicked person, then one must immediately talk to one's heels. A villain can attack from any distance. Moreover, such a man will never reveal his true intentions to anyone.

THE CONDUCT MERITS THE TREATMENT: An elephant must be controlled using an Ankush (iron hook); a horse using a whip; and a horned animal, with the aid of a cudgel. But an evil man must never be spared the sword, he must have rigorous punishment enforced on him. This is the only way to keep him under control. Therefore the saying, "the conduct merits the treatment."

DAMNED ONES: If a man is hostile towards his own friends and brothers; if his anger is uncontrollable, and his speech is fiery, then he will be condemned to eternal hell. Such antagonistic and fiendish people will experience hell on earth.

THE WAY OF LIVING: In the lion's den, one can find an elephant's skull and pieces of flesh.

In a jackal's lair, one can find the torn-out tail of a calf, along with a donkey's skin.

If one is careful to observe the things scattered around in a house, one can roughly guess the nature of the man who dwells there. One's house mirrors one's way of living, and the inner quality of one's being.

EMINENCE OVER AFFLUENCE: Mean-spirited men, born into inferior families, constantly hanker after money. For such men, wealth is the most precious thing in the world.

Men of average intelligence seek wealth, and simultaneously strive to attain honor and social respectability.

Men, who hail from families, boasting of a noble and distinguished lineage, desire only respect and glory. Such men give immense weight age to dignity and notability, and little importance to worldly riches.

ELIGIBILITY: Money must be given away only to men of virtue. They are the only ones who truly deserve it. The sea only lends its water to the clouds. The clouds transform this water into ambrosia. It rains down on earth and sea, replenishing life, and providing subsistence. It is also a refreshing stimulus for the creatures of the earth. One must think carefully before giving away even a single paisa. Always take into account whom it is being given it.

PATRONAGE: Knowledge cannot be attained without diligence. Idleness will devastate the tree of knowledge, and once that occurs we will witness the annihilation of humanity.
In the absence of the General, the army is shorn of its invincibility. After the death of the husband, life ceases to hold any charm for the wife. Her life stagnates like a pool of water. Similarly, in the absence of tutelage, life loses all it's meaning.

MISFORTUNE: There are innumerable moments of misfortune in one's life. But the death of one's wife in old age; seizure of one's ancestral property by one's brothers; insecurity about the availability of food; and dependence on others, are without doubt, the most unfortunate situations.

THE USE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF VIRTUE: Beauty has no significance unless it is accompanied by virtue. The magnificence of an ancestry, lies in the modesty and amiability of its members. The splendor of education lies in original thought, accomplishment and perfection. The value of money lies in its use.

Even an absolutely bewitching woman, will look quite contemptible, if she is devoid of virtue. Though a person may hail from a renowned ancestry, if he is devoid of modesty and congeniality, then he will be a despicable specimen. A superior education will be a no avail, if it fails to make one an accomplished person. And finally, money will lose all its meaning if it is locked away in an iron safe. Money is useless in the hands of a miser.

INVALUABLE ADVICE: A man who opens his heart to others, will meet a tragic end. If one is concerned about one's welfare, then one should take care never to reveal one's heart. It would be wise to act upon such invaluable advice. He, who pays little heed to such counsel, will die as miserably as a snake trapped in its hole. One who acts upon such guidance, will remain invaluable and invincible.

SIGNIFICANCE OF KNOWLEDGE: A scholar is universally adored. He is admired by people, irrespective of whether he is in his own country or not. Knowledge is a powerful asset in his hands, and it confers universal adulation upon him. A knowledgeable and erudite man can achieve anything.

ON IDLE GOSSIP: One should not waste one's time, and dissipate one's energy, gossiping with gamblers, bandits and women. If one wishes to reach the pinnacle of earthy success, it is absolutely necessary to observe taciturnity. Curbing loose talk is a sure key to success.

A CRY IN THE WILDERNESS: It would be foolish of an instructor to advise one who lacked depth and seriousness. Such shallow men are like the snakes who have their abode on Malachal Hills. The snakes are impervious to the heady fragrance of sandalwood in the Malachal hills. Even the hills on which the sandalwood grows, remain uninfluenced by its fragrance. One must understand that, there is little point in advising those who are not earnest and receptive. The exercise is as futile as crying in the wilderness. Good advice is always wasted on frivolous souls, who refuse to take life seriously.

CHARITY: To live as a pauper, at the mercy of one's kith and kin, is the singularly most unpleasant experience, that any individual could have. It is far better to live in seclusion in a dense forest, , in the company of tigers, lions, snakes and other wild animals. Living an isolated and austere life, is far more gratifying than a life of penury at the mercy of relatives. It is far better to eat off a plate of leaves, than eat off a plate of gold, that was given to one as charity.

CONDITIONING: Wickedness is ingrained in certain men. Such men can never give up their villainous ways. Even if one feeds milk to a snake, it will continue to spew venom. Similarly, no amount of sugar cane juice poured at the root of the margosa tree, can sweeten its essence. The margosa tree is quintessentially bitter. Nothing can remove its pungent sourness.
INSATIABLE GREED: Man's thirst for life, sex, money and food are insatiable. As far as these things are concerned, he is never content with what he has. There is always a frantic greed for more. Sadly the more he gets, the more intense his discontentment is.


INAUSPICIOUS ACTS: Gazing at one's own reflection in the water, shaving off one's hair at a barber's dwelling, and using sandal that has been rubbed on stone, are all considered to be inauspicious acts. 

Going to another house as an uninvited guest, interrupting a conversation between two people, and indiscriminately giving away one's belongings, are considered to be signs of stupidity.

HYPOCRISY: The teeth that the elephant uses to chew his food are always obscured from view. There are few people on earth, who are not hypocrites. Man is a two-faced creature. He does not hesitate to reveals his respectable front to the world. The darker aspects of his personality always remains hidden from public view.

COMPATIBILITY: Just as oil and ghee (clarified butter made from the milk of cows or buffaloes.) will never mix with water, it is not possible for two individuals with dramatically opposite natures, to rub shoulders with each other.

THE FORCE OF TIME: Time is an unstoppable force. It moves on relentlessly. A man who understands the value of time is assured of success in life. Always avoid procrastination! Remain vigilant, and honor time.

WINE AND WOMEN: Women allure one with false shows of love.Wine entraps one with promises of pleasure.Oh imbecile, do you know the consequences of

giving into such pleasure? You will die the death of a worm. Wine and women will creep into your life to rob you of you wealth and talent. Beware of them-or you will have to atone for your sinful ways.

EXCRUCIATING COMPANY: A wise man always by passes a mad man, a beautiful young woman, a leper, and a rogue masquerading as a sadhu. It is distressing to be in their company. One should always salute them from afar, and walk away.

EFFORT: Luck always involves a minimum of diligence. One cannot lie idle beneath a mango tree, and expect a ripe mango to fall into one's hands. Luck will always elude one, who is unwilling to take pains to achieve his aims.

SLAVES OF HABIT: A snake's body will wind and curve as it slithers along; a dog's tail will always be twisted; a donkey will always take pride in displaying the strength of his legs; and flies and black ants will always return to familiar surroundings. 

In a similar way, man is also a slave to his habits. Human beings are totally enslaved by their habits and addictions.

ERUDITION: Even though the cow eats a variety of things, it continues to provide us with milk. Is there anything that cannot be made out of milk? It gives us curd, whey, butter, ghee and cheese. 

Similarly, whatever the learned man does, he does with a purpose. His actions are truly worthy of imitation. Only a wise man can comprehend the utility and worth of the actions of other wise men.

FUTILITY OF OUTER APPEARANCE: How can ant ever compare to an elephant? Yet in-spite of the disparity in their sizes, both co-exist peacefully. on this planet. 

It is important not be taken in by the forms and figures of living beings. Instead, one must learn to appreciate their actions, merits and virtues. 

The outer appearance is nothing but a mere superficial detail. What is significant is wisdom, strength and inner beauty.

THE PATH TO SELF-REALIZATION: Wearing pretty bangles will not beautify one's hands; doing charitable deeds will. Smearing sandal paste over one's body will not cleanse it. as a bath will. Emancipation from worldly life can only be achieved through knowledge. One who lives a pretentious life, can never attain enlightenment. Contentment can be realized only by those who live a dignified life. As long as one fails to grasp this truth, one with drift aimlessly on the sea of worldly existence.

INTELLECTUAL-CHOICE: Excessive consumption of Kundru ( a creeper whose fruits are used as a vegetable), can blunt one's intellect; but when consumed indiscriminately, it can only sharpen it. The Almighty God often imbues the same thing with diametrically opposite qualities. How one uses particular things at particular times vastly depends on the intellect's discriminatory ability. Everything is available on earth. One can reach out to both vice and virtue. What one accepts or rejects, depends on one's intellect. The choice will reflect one's inner quality.

SANCTITY OF THE HEART: If God resides in a man's heart, then he has nothing to gain from rigorous and austere exercises. What further benefit can he derive from visiting sacred pilgrim centers? When a man is the very embodiment of honesty and integrity, his dwelling assumes the sanctity of a pilgrim center.

THE COMPANY OF THE IGNOBLE: How can on profit from the company of ignoble men? Subject derive little benefit from a king who is a reprobate and a tyrant. 

It does not profit one to be in the company of a friend who secretly nurse treacherous thoughts in his thoughts in his heart. He could tab one in the back at any moment. 

A wicked and insincere disciple cannot enhance the master's reputation in any way. A disciple who will veer from the path of truth, does not deserve to be initiated . He will never be able to expound his master's teachings. 

There is no satisfaction to be derived from entering into a marriage with a quarrelsome and adulterous woman. One's life will become a living hell, devoid of peace and harmony.

A life of seclusion is preferable to the company of ignoble men. A degenerate king, a treacherous friend, an insincere disciple, and an adulterous woman, can only get one into a scrap. There is little to be gained from their company.

ON INTERFERENCE: One must not intervene in other's affairs. Similarly, one must never come between a husband and wife, or a master and servant. It could result in profound embarrassment. 

Also, should one play with fire, or attempt to pass through the yoke of the oxen and plough- it could result in fatal injuries.

NO ONE IS WEAK: Almighty God has made each individual mighty. One who is conversant in the Vedas, and has consequently attained a realization of Self, is powerful in his own right. His power lies in his knowledge of the Scriptures and his Self-realization.

An enchantress has the power to bewitch people. She has the ability to charm and fascinate those she encounters.

Each individual is uniquely powerful and competent. No-one should be regarded as weak or powerless. When a suitable opportunity arises, a man could dazzle you with an unexpected display of skill and power. Therefore, even an apparently weak enemy should never be written off as easily conquerable.

MISFORTUNE: It is said that when misfortune appears, intuitive intelligence deserts one.

No one can claim to have seen a golden deer. Yet, prior to her preordained abduction. Sita swore she had seen one. At her behest, Rama frantically chased the golden deer to capture it. He only wished to fulfill his beloved wife's desire. It is in his absence that Sita was abducted by Ravana.

Misfortune is often preordained. One inevitably abandons rational thinking at such a time.
THRIFT: When a man is poor and destitute, then his family and friends are quick to desert him. But when he attains affluence, the very same people will mill around him. A man is judged not by his qualities, but by his wealth. Therefore, one should be closefisted, and avoid all extravagance.

A WISE MAN: A wise man is one whose speech is always perfectly suited to the situation. He fosters ties with those who have similar temperaments, and display his anger in a manner befitting his superior status. He is proficient in the scriptures and devoid of any vice.

CIRCUMSPECTION: One should always think twice before developing a close relationship with a woman, a preceptor and a king. Ideally, they should be kept at arms length, as a difference of opinion could arise at any time.

HANDLING THE KNAVE: Only corrupt means can be used to handle a knave. Only diamonds can cut diamonds. A thorn must be used to remove a thorn. Remember this eternal truth.

BEWARE OF THE KNAVE: A knave may utter "Ram Ram", and still hide a knife behind his back. When a favorable opportunity arises, he will withdraw his marvelous knife to stab one in the back. Just as the hunter traps the poor deer with his melodious song, the knave will use mellifluous speech to realize his selfish motives. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The adage "Those who are too courteous are bound to be far too crafty" is applicable to such a man.

BONDING OF THE SPIRIT: Love shortens all distances and bridges all gaps. If your companion does not have a place in your heart, then physical proximity is meaningless. He will be million miles away from you in spirit.

ENVY: Failure is the root cause of envy. When an unsuccessful man bears witness to the worldly accomplishments of another, his heart burns with envy. A man who is consumed by the flames of envy, suffers a loss of dignity and self-respect. He falls in his own eyes.

THE ROGUE: A hypocrite, who is envious of others, impedes the fulfillment of another's desires, desecrates the pond, garden, or temple, robs his master of his wealth, and enters into illicit relationships, to fulfill his selfish desires, can be labelled a perfect rogue. A man's actions will always reveal the true nature of his being.