Page 35 - Sri Canakya Niti

1.4

Commentary: Cāṇakya Paṇḍita herewith reveals the fi rst

qualification for a man to be recognized as knowledgeable: he must
understand all things “in their proper perspective.” True knowledge
is sublime, broad and even. It is neither top-heavy nor cumbersome
like the mental burden carried by so-called “men of letters.” Here
Cāṇakya Paṇḍita promises that his instructions will “make one all-
knowing.” His compassionate motives for penning his nīti-śāstra are
also revealed: “to give benefit to the entire world.”

Unlike most writers of today, Cāṇakya Paṇḍita did not scribe his nīti-
śāstra to see his name in print or to earn royalties. As a renounced and
threadbare brāhmaṇa, the great Cāṇakya Paṇḍita had no desire for
fame or riches. His goal was the upliftment and guidance of society,
and that is why King Candragupta Maurya respectfully sat at his feet.
The spiritual jewels of eternal wisdom are far greater than the baubles
of the rich and powerful, while the power of renunciation exceeds the
strength of armies.

ŚLOKA 1.4

मूखर्िश योपदेशेन दु ीभरणेन च ।
दुःिखतैः सम् योगेण पिण्डतोऽप्यवसीदित ॥४॥

mūrkha-śiṣyopadeśena
duṣṭa-strī-bharaṇena ca
duḥkhitaiḥ samprayogeṇa
paṇḍito ’py avasīdati

Even a learned paṇḍita suffers by instructing a foolish disciple, by
maintaining a wicked wife and by association with the wretched.
Commentary: The origin of this śloka is Bṛhaspati-nīti-sāra, a
section of the Garuḍa Purāṇa. (GP 1.108.4) This Bṛhaspati-nīti-sāra
incidentally was conveyed by Bṛhaspati, the priest of the devas, to

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