Acharya Chanakya has explained the deep secrets of life in his Niti Shastra (treatise on policy and politics). The teachings of Acharya Chanakya are as relevant today as they were in his time. He imparted his knowledge on everything from human behavior to politics, economics and religion. His teachings can guide us even today. In Niti Shastra, Acharya Chanakya has also explained what things a person should try to achieve in life. Let us know about it in detail.
A verse from Acharya Chanakya’s Niti Shastra:
Dharmarthakamoksheshu yasyaikopi na vidyate.
Janma janmani martyeshu maranam tasya kevalam.
Meaning: In this verse, Acharya Chanakya has described Dharma (duty/right work), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire/fulfillment), and Moksha (liberation) as the main goals of life. According to Acharya Chanakya, a person who does not achieve even one of these four goals lives a meaningless life. Such a person is born and simply dies; He does not get salvation. Such a person is born only to die.
Through this verse, Acharya Chanakya tries to tell us that we should fulfill our duties (Dharma) in life. We should earn enough money (wealth). We should fulfill our desires (work). And we should do such things which will lead to ultimate liberation (moksha) at the end of our life. According to Acharya Chanakya, if a person fails to achieve even one of these four, his life is meaningless, and he is born in this mortal world just to die.
In short, through this verse, Acharya Chanakya wants to convey that we should try to achieve Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha through our deeds. If we don’t do this, human life has no meaning.