Chanakya was a brilliant philosopher and political strategist who gifted us profound wisdom to navigate through the complexities of life. His intricate understanding about human nature, played a key role in establishing the Maurya Empire under the leadership of the emperor Chandragupta. In this article, we will explore some of the powerful teachings of Chanakya to solve the puzzling problems that life throws at us and also to deal with selfish or manipulative individuals.
1. Surround Yourself With the Right People
Chanakya wrote in his masterpiece Chanakya Niti: “As a mirror is cleaned by wiping, so is the mind cleansed by association with the wise.”
Modern psychological research shows that mirror neurones in our brains explain the reason why we tend to copy the behaviour of the people with whom we spend most of our time. Mirror neurones store the behavioural patterns of our closest associates. As a result, we will exhibit these patterns in our behaviours and habits unconsciously.
This is the reason why great philosophers like Chanakya always stressed the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people. If you are an artist, spend your free time with other ambitious artists. Furthermore, try to develop friendships with people who have deeper knowledge and understanding about life than you. This simple habit in itself will you broaden your mental landscape and wisdom. Similarly, those individuals who associate themselves with bad company, will knowingly or unknowingly bring down the quality of their lives and minds as well.
2. Chanakya’s Key Strategy for Success
Acharya Chanakya wrote: “Do not reveal what you have thought upon doing, but by wise counsel keep it secret being determined to carry it into execution.”
Today's psychological studies confirm this argument of Chanakya too. When you have a goal, it is always recommended to keep it to yourself. When you make it public, your determination to work hard towards achieving it will weaken. Speaking openly about goals can bring about a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. Studies show that, this will reduce our motivation to pursue the same goals with all our might.
So, talk about your goal to someone only if it is absolutely necessary for its completion. Moreover, make sure that the individual with whom you are sharing it with is truly wise and trustworthy. Make the best use of your solitude. Work hard in silence. Sacrifice the whims of the moment for the greatness that is waiting for you in the future. True growth and success will manifest.
3. Chanakya on the Root Cause of Grief
According to the great philosopher, the root cause of sorrow is “attachment". Acharya Chanakya wrote: “He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment.”
When you are spending time with your loved ones, remind yourself that everything in this world is temporary. Whether it is people, emotions, friendships or even the intellectual prowess that we posses. That is, developing a strong understanding about the universal law of impermanence will help us remain balanced through the storms of existence. A human heart is like clay. It can change anytime due to any reason. Remembering these truths will help you from breaking down during moments of hardships.
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