Friends, you would have heard elders talk about undertaking some important activities only after consulting “Panchang” (Astrology Charts). Many important tasks are commenced on auspicious muhurtas after consulting the Panchang (पञ्चाङ्ग ) which consists of 5 elements –
Tithi (तिथिः)
Vasara (वासरः)
Nakshatra (नक्षत्रम्)
Yog (योगः)
Karanam (करणम्)
Some of us may find this to be based on superstition and hesitate to undertake tasks based on the solar and lunar movements. No, I don’t want to venture into how scientific it is or isn’t, because I don’t have sufficient knowledge in that area yet.
But today, I want to talk about another “Panchang” - (पञ्चाङ्ग ) which has been discussed by Kautilya कौटिल्य in his treatise Arthashashtra अर्थशास्त्र.
Kauṭilya कौटिल्य or Vishnugupta विष्णुगुप्त is also identified as Chanakya चाणक्य who was a teacher, author, strategist, philosopher, economist, jurist, and royal advisor to the Mauryan King Chandragupta. Kautilya’s Arthashastra is an ancient Sanskrit Treatise on all aspects of running a kingdom – policy, politics, warfare and administration.
Kautilya’s Panchang sutra / पञ्चाङ्ग सूत्र (formula) states – ।। कर्मणामारम्भोपायः पुरुषद्रव्यसंपद्देशकालविभागो विनिपातप्रतिकारः कार्यसिद्धिरिति पञ्चाङ्गो मन्त्रः । १. १५. ४२ ।।
It means -
When starting any task or work at hand, consider these five conditions –
1. कर्मणामारम्भोपायः - Is this task a Priority? Does it fit as an important task to be taken up on top priority in my larger goals in life?
2. पुरुषद्रव्यसंपद् – Are men and materials available to execute this job? Do I have the means (time, resources, tools, money) to execute this task?
3. देशकालविभागः – Where and when should the task be done? Is the timing and place right for execution of this task?
4. विनिपातप्रतिकारः – What are the potential obstacles to the execution? Have I considered and provided for any obstacles, challenges that I may encounter along the way once I take up this task?
5. कार्यसिद्धिः – Let’s move towards completion of work! Having undertaken the work considering above four factors, stay put and work towards successful accomplishment of the task
Because, nothing succeeds like success!
Having this “Panchang Sutra” under your belt will help you to take decisions and complete small tasks or large projects successfully!
It is said that well begun is half-done. And this formula helps one achieve just that - start on a well-thought out strong footing so that successful completion of the project seems easy!
Say, you have an important exam coming up. And then you have a range of activities to choose from like Study a Topic, Watch a movie with Friends, Read a Book and so on..
The First Sutra says – Is it a Priority? So pick up tasks which are important to help you achieve your goals.
Suppose you decide to Study 2 Chapters, then organize the study material (reading material, notes, etc) as per the Second Sutra.
As a Third Step, now plan when and where you will do the task – set the time-table.
Next, think of the obstacles that may come in your way like any planned events/trips, unable to understand the concept, phone-time etc and how you will tackle them.
Once this is all thought out and planned for, then go ahead, dive head-first into the task! And start working towards its completion!
This Panchang Sutra can be applied for any decisions/projects you undertake – choosing a course or stream, saving up for a holiday or home, do I buy a car or not and so on…
One may or may not believe in the Panchang based on the stars, but we all can follow these simple 5 rules (Panchang Sutra) whenever we start any task, can’t we?
Further Reading –
About Kautilya - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanakya
About Arthashashtra - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthashastra
It's so simple and yet relatable to any task , be it a daily chore or life goals . Thanks for reintroducing to our rich tradition and roots of knowledge.
Practical wisdom which can easily be applied. Thanks for the guidance