To live a happy life, man needs proper guidance. The teachings of Acharya Chanakya still guide people in the right direction. *Chanakya Niti* outlines important principles related to every aspect of life—like family, society, relationships, career and success. He believed that every person aspires to be successful in life, and this can be achieved through right thinking and conduct. Today, we are presenting to you some selected verses from *Chanakya Niti*—these are essential sutras for living life—which, if adopted, can bring positive changes in your life.
Verse 1
*charitable work moksheshu yasyaikopi na vidyate |*
*Janmajanmani martyeshu maranam tasya kevalam ||*
**Meaning:** In this verse, Chanakya says that if even one of the four fundamental pillars—*Dharma* (righteous conduct), *Artha* (wealth/purpose), *Kama* (desire/fulfillment), and *Moksha* (liberation)—is absent in a person’s life, then his existence is spent only in the cycle of repeated birth and death. If a person fails to concentrate on even one of these four primary objectives during his lifetime, his life becomes meaningless, and he is left with nothing but the endless cycle of birth and death.
Verse 2
*Tyajeddharmam Dayahinaam, Vidyaahinaam Guru Tyajet.*
*Dispassionate angry wives, dispassionate bondless ones ||*
**Meaning:** In this verse, Chanakya advises that one should abandon any religion that lacks compassion. One should also abandon such a Guru (teacher) who does not have true knowledge. Additionally, one should also separate from a wife who is always short-tempered, and distance herself from relatives who do not have any true loving feelings. In life, one should possess only those things and relationships that are virtuous, prudent and full of love. It is far better to stay away from any environment where kindness, knowledge and affection are lacking.
Verse 3
*Adhwa Jara Manushanaan, Vajinaam Bandhanam Jara |*
*Amathunam Jara Streeanam, Vastraanam Aatpan Jaraa ||*
Meaning- Chanakya says in this verse that a person who is always on a journey or walks beyond his capacity, starts aging quickly. Due to travel fatigue and irregular daily routine, people become victims of old age at an early age. A woman who does not get physical pleasure from her husband also starts aging quickly. Chanakya has also said in this verse that a horse which is kept tied most of the time, also becomes old soon.
Verse 4
Yatha Chaturbhih Kanakam Parikshyate Nigharshanachhedanatapatadanaih.
And Chaturbhi Purushah Parikshyate Tyagen Sheelaen Gunen Karmana.
Meaning- Chanakya says that just as gold is tested in four ways – by rubbing, cutting, heating and beating – similarly a human being is also identified by four things – renunciation, conduct (modesty), qualities and deeds.
Verse 5
Taavadbhayen bhetavyam yavadbhayamanagatam.
आगतं तु भायं विक्ष्य प्रहत्व्यमशंकय॥
Meaning- Acharya Chanakya says in this verse that fear should be maintained only until the crisis arises. But when a crisis arises, it should be faced without any panic.
