Page 15 - Śrī Pañcatantra - Eng

Preface

Definitions of Nīti:
(1) The ability to bring circumstances around to one’s advantage
and to understand how to obtain maximum benefit from any
situation that may arise.
(2) The techniques of avoiding impending catastrophes and of
living safely.

(3) The knowledge of what to do and when to do it; and
conversely what is not to be done.

(4) The means of knowing who your actual friend is, who your
adversary is and the proper means of dealing with both.
(5) The initiative.

(6) Prudence put into action.

(7) A very healthy exercise for your brain called thinking.
(8) The means of building the foundation for the execution of
bhakti-yoga.

(9) The understanding of the need to keep devotee association.

Definitions of Nīti-śāstra:

(1) Scriptures originally told in Sanskrit that impart the means
toward greater fulfillment.

(2) The science of common sense.

(3) Realized ancient wisdom in a nutshell.
(4) A compendium of sane advice for young and old alike.

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