Page 30 - Sri Canakya Niti

1.1 Śrī Cāṇakya-nīti

The triloka (three worlds) mentioned in this verse are a reference to
the three levels of the material universe. Śrīla Prabhupāda writes in
his purport to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (2.6.19): “In the material world,
the planetary systems are arranged in three spheres, called triloka, or
Svarga, Martya and Pātāla, and all of them constitute only one fourth
of the total sandhinī energy.”

Since the lifespans of the denizens of Svarga last for many millions
of years, those demigods who live there may think of themselves as
amara (never-dying). The vast array of comforts at their disposal
makes sensual enjoyment a priority over the proper quest for spiritual
emancipation, which is attained only through service to the highest

authority. The ready abundance of sense gratification in those heavenly
regions is the cause of forgetfulness of our eternal constitutional
position as subordinates of the Supreme Lord Viṣṇu or Kṛṣṇa. In
Naraka (the hellish regions), suffering is so acute that liberation
becomes impossible as past misdeeds are expunged through painful
punishment at the hands of the Yamadūtas. These middle worlds or
“earths” are the ideal “launching pads” for the devotee in search of
liberation. Therefore, here and now we must undertake a thorough
study of Cāṇakya-nīti to vouchsafe not only our present happiness
but our eternal salvation. This rare opportunity of human birth, the
vehicle for going back to home and back to Godhead, may not soon
present itself again.

Cāṇakya Paṇḍita scribed his nīti-śāstra some twenty-fi ve hundred
years ago, well into Kali-yuga, or within the present age of quarrel

and discord. As we will find throughout all authorized literatures—
the revealed scriptures—worship of Lord Viṣṇu or Kṛṣṇa is the
recommended process for freeing the fettered jīva soul from the
shackles of karma in his urgent quest for spiritual awakening. In Kali-
yuga, worship of the Absolute Godhead is performed by the chanting
of His holy names.

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