ଚାଣକ୍ଯ ନୀତି - ଷୋଡଶୋଽଧ୍ଯାଯଃ

I have neither meditated on the feet of the Lord in the prescribed manner to attain liberation from this worldly existence, nor have I performed deeds of righteousness sufficient to swing open the gates of heaven. I have not even embraced the beautiful form of a woman, even in my dreams. Alas, I have lived my life only to be an axe that cuts down the forest of my mother's youth.

Women speak to one person, gaze coquettishly at another, and think of yet a third in their hearts; there is no single-minded devotion in them.

The fool who, in his delusion, believes that a woman is truly attached to him, becomes a puppet under her control and dances like a bird tied to a string.

Who has attained wealth without becoming arrogant? To whom have worldly troubles never come? Whose heart has not been broken by women? Who has ever truly remained a favorite of a king? Who has not fallen into the grasp of time? What beggar has ever attained true honor? And who, once fallen into the treacherous paths of wicked people, has ever escaped unscathed?

A golden deer was never created, never seen, and never heard of before; yet, the desire for it seized Rama. Truly, when one's downfall approaches, one’s intellect becomes perverted.

Greatness is achieved through virtues, not merely by sitting in a high position. Does a crow sitting on the peak of a palace become an eagle?

Virtues are honored everywhere, not vast wealth. Is the full moon as worthy of worship as the slender crescent that is free from blemish?

Even a man devoid of merit is considered virtuous if others speak of his qualities. Conversely, even Indra would lose his dignity if he were to boast of his own virtues.

Virtues attain greater beauty when they reside in a person of wisdom; just as a gem shines more brilliantly when set in gold.

Even one who is equal to the all-knowing suffers if he is without support. Even a priceless ruby requires the setting of gold to be truly appreciated.

May I never acquire wealth that is gained through excessive suffering, or happiness that is derived from excessive greed, or benefits that come from bowing down before my enemies.

What is the use of wealth that remains exclusive and hidden like a secluded bride, or wealth that is treated as common property by every passerby like a prostitute?

All living beings are perpetually dissatisfied with their wealth, their lifespan, their spouses, and their food; this has been the case in the past, it is so now, and it will remain so in the future.

All material offerings, sacrifices, and rituals eventually lose their merit and perish; however, the virtue of charity given to a worthy person and the act of providing safety and fearlessness to all living beings never perish.

A blade of grass is light, and cotton is even lighter than grass, but a beggar is lighter than both; one wonders why the wind does not blow the beggar away, perhaps it fears that he might beg of it as well.

It is better to sacrifice one’s life than to live with a broken sense of honor; dying brings suffering for only a moment, but living in disgrace brings suffering every single day.

All living beings are pleased by the hearing of kind and pleasant words; therefore, one should always speak kindly, for what poverty is there in speaking gently?

The bitter tree of this worldly existence bears two nectar-like fruits: the enjoyment of sweet, wise speech and the company of noble people.

The habits of charity, study, and penance practiced in previous births continue to follow the soul, and through the power of that past practice, the soul continues to pursue these same virtues again.

Knowledge that is merely stored in a book and wealth that has passed into the hands of another are of no use when the moment of need arrives.