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Important lessons which are given to the world by Chanakya

Chanakya through his life has taught the world that things which seem unachievable can be achieved if one decides to work consistently towards it.

Here are some of the selected sayings by Chanakya which are quite practical to live by:

Truth

The earth is supported by the power of truth, it is the power of truth that makes the sun shine and the winds blow, indeed all things rest upon truth.

Karma

A man is born alone and dies alone, and he experiences the good and bad consequences of his karma alone, and he goes alone to hell or the Supreme abode.

God

When one is consumed by the sorrows of life, three things give him relief: children, a wife, and the company of the Lord's devotees.

Secrets

Do not put your trust in a bad companion nor even trust an ordinary friend, for if he should get angry with you, he may bring all your secrets to light.

Horse

Although an horse is tired, he continues to carry his burden, he is unmindful of cold and heat, and he is always contented, these three things should be learned from the horse.

Kindness

Our bodies are perishable, wealth is not at all permanent and death is always nearby. Therefore we must immediately engage in acts of merit.

Unity

The enemy can be overcome by the union of large numbers, just as grass through its collectiveness wards off erosion caused by heavy rainfall.

Keep

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.

Hard work

A man attains greatness by his merits, not simply by occupying an prominent seat. Can we call a crow an eagle simply because he sits on the top of a tall building.

Lion

The one excellent thing that can be learned from a lion is that whatever a man intends doing should be done by him with a whole-hearted and strenuous effort.

Impossible

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 (focus, consistency, hard work, strictness, seriousness).

Shy

You should give up shyness in monetary dealings, in acquiring knowledge, in eating and in business, to become happy.

Poison

Avoid him who talks sweetly before you but tries to ruin you behind your back, for he is like a pitcher of poison with milk on top.

Learning

Let not a single day pass without you learning a verse, half a verse, or a fourth of it, or even one letter of it, nor without attending to charity, study and other religious activity.

Determination

Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise council keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.

Satisfaction

Feel Satisfied With: Your own wife, Food given to you, Wealth acquired by honest effort.

Never Feel Satisfied With: Studying, Learning, Chanting the Holy names of the Lord (japa), Charity.

Living in the present moment

We should not be worried for what is past, nor should we be concerned about the future, we should learn to deal with the present moment efficiently.