Did you know that Chanakya’s aphorisms, shlokas and sutras are compiled together in a book called चाणक्य-नीति / Chanakya Neeti which has been translated in Greek in the 19th century! We cry hoarse every now and then about our Koh-i-Noor unfairly lost to us forever. But we forget that do have many hidden gems in our वाङ्गमय (Literature), that can enrich us, but still lost due to our ignorance!
To make their compositions appeal to the audience, Samskrita Kavis would use allegories and examples from daily life. This had a two-fold advantage – firstly, the listener would be able identify with the meaning and secondly, the recall value would be higher. Thus, it would be easier to inculcate it in your behaviour, schedule, or life. Chanakya was no different.
In this shloka he says –
गुणैरुत्तमतां याति नोच्चैरासनसंस्थितः। प्रासादशिखरस्थोऽपि काकः किं गरुडायते॥
It means that -
गुणैः उत्तमतां याति* Greatness comes from good qualities (Gunas)
न उच्चैः आसनसंस्थितः* Not from occupying a high position
प्रासादशिखरस्थः अपि* Even if it is sitting on the top of a palace
काकः किं गरुडायते Does a crow become an Eagle? (No, it does not!!)
By comparing a crow and an eagle, this shloka urges us to place more importance on acquiring good qualities and talents that are more permanent and not just aim for designations or positions that are transient.
The Garuda (Eagle) is the King of Birds, the vahana of Lord Vishnu – its might and valour are well-known. Just because you spot a Crow on a high branch someday, you will never confuse it for an Eagle, nor will that Crow acquire the strength or span of an Eagle.
Look around you – on the national, political scene or your school / college teaching panels or in your society / residence – if an incapable person is occupying an esteemed position, since he’s lacking the qualities desired of that position, he is ridiculed or not respected by and large. So focus on achieving greatness through your good qualities, that will be long-lasting!
Another shloka from Chanakya-neeti conveys a deep thought in very simple words:
यो ध्रुवाणि परित्यज्य अध्रुवं परिषेवते । ध्रुवाणि तस्य नश्यन्ति चाध्रुवं नष्टमेव हि ॥
It means that
यः ध्रुवाणि परित्यज्य* One who having given up the imperishable (permanent),
अध्रुवं परिषेवते goes after the perishable (temporary),
ध्रुवाणि तस्य नश्यन्ति loses the imperishable.
च अध्रुवं नष्टं एव हि The perishable perishes anyway!
This shloka has multiple layers.
For a भोगता (Enjoyer), it states ‘a bird in hand is better than two in a bush’.
If there is something concrete and lasting in front of you, take it up. Don’t go after something that is iffy and impermanent (say, a job offer in hand versus an interview that may be lined up two weeks down the line).
For a द्रष्टा (Seeker), it advises ‘don’t try to catch a shadow’!
The material world is maya (an illusion) – it is impermanent and transient. Rather than going after this impermanent, changing illusory world, go and seek the imperishable, eternal truth. Because, in your running after the material pleasures, life itself will run out and both the imperishable and perishable will be lost to you!
Such pearls of wisdom abound not just in Chanakya Neeti but across the Vedas, Puranas and Samksrita Vangmaya.
One lifetime won’t suffice for understanding all of them, but we can aim to learn from and live by as many of them as possible.
It is sure to make our ride more fulfilling, won't it?
The greatness of Hindusm and Bharat as a civilization comes from its literature & culture. thanks for revisiting this treasure
Very pithy. Down to earth n hard hitting lessons. Beautifully expressed. Liked this one a lot