Chanakya in Daily Life

1. Start Your Day with Intention and Gratitude

The first thought of your day is the most important one.

Positive Start. Beginning the day with gratitude and positive thoughts sets the tone for a productive and fulfilling day. Instead of immediately diving into the day's demands, take a moment to appreciate what you have and set your intentions. This can involve prayer, meditation, or simply reflecting on what you're grateful for.

Sleep and Wake. Quality sleep is essential for a positive start. Aim for seven to eight hours of undisturbed sleep to wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Use an alarm clock with a gentle, melodious sound to avoid jarring yourself awake.

Carry the Mood. Extend the positive mood throughout the day by being a source of inspiration to others. Greet people with a smile and positive words, and strive to make a positive impact on those around you. Remember, a smile is the best makeup.

2. Harness the Power of Music and Silence

Silence is the greatest music.

Music's Influence. Music has a profound impact on our psyche and can be used to shape our mood and energy levels throughout the day. Choose music that aligns with the time of day and the desired mindset, opting for calming melodies in the morning and more upbeat tunes in the afternoon.

Mindful Listening. Avoid randomly putting on the radio or television. Instead, consciously select music that will help you create the desired mood, whether it's for relaxation, focus, or motivation. Consider the impact of background music in movies and use it as a guide for creating your own sonic environment.

Embrace Silence. In addition to music, make time for silence each day. Sit quietly for twenty minutes and listen to your soul. This practice can help you connect with your inner self and gain clarity and perspective.

3. Cultivate Clear Thinking and Prioritization

Anvikshiki keeps the mind steady in adversity and prosperity and brings about proficiency in thought, speech and action.

Thinking vs. Worrying. Clear thinking is essential for achieving goals and solving problems, while worrying is unproductive and leads to inaction. Cultivate the ability to think logically and creatively, rather than getting caught up in anxieties.

Morning Pondering. Upon waking, take time to ponder over the teachings of the science of politics (Arthashastra) and the work to be done that day. This will help you align your activities with your goals and prioritize tasks effectively.

Daily Review. Create a to-do list at the start of the day and review it regularly. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and tick off items as you complete them. At the end of the day, review your list to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.

4. Prioritize Health Through Training and Discipline

Training and discipline are acquired by accepting the authoritativeness of the teachers in the respective fields.

Health as a Choice. Health is a matter of choice, and one can choose to be healthy by setting a health goal and developing a plan to achieve it. This requires training and discipline, which can be acquired by accepting the authoritativeness of teachers in the respective fields.

Find a Teacher. Seek out experts in health and fitness, such as gym instructors, yoga teachers, doctors, or nutritionists. These teachers have spent years mastering their subject and can provide valuable guidance and support.

Accept Authority. Fully accept your teacher's authority and follow their instructions without doubt. While it's good to be informed and seek second opinions, remember that technology cannot replace a personal trainer or guru. Make health a top priority in life, as a healthy person thinks better.

5. Establish Daily Rituals for Self-Discipline

And, after going around a cow with her calf and a bull, he should proceed to the assembly hall.

Rituals for Discipline. Daily rituals, whether religious or secular, help us lead a disciplined life and develop leadership qualities. These rituals can include reading, walking, praying, or any activity that brings a sense of purpose and structure to the day.

Connect with Nature. Even in modern times, rituals that connect us with nature can be beneficial. Chanakya advised the king to visit the cow, calf, and bull before beginning his official work, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature on a daily basis.

Make it a Habit. Once a ritual becomes a habit, it requires less effort and becomes more enjoyable. Self-discipline is key to establishing rituals, and the positive psychological impact of mastering your mind is significant. The key is to start enjoying your daily rituals.

6. Use Astrology as a Guide, Not a Crutch

Wealth will slip away from the foolish person who continuously consults the stars; for wealth is the star of wealth; what will the stars do?

Astrology as Guidance. Astrology, or Jyotish Shastra, can be a valuable tool for guiding us through life, but it should not be the sole determinant of our actions. A good astrologer can help transform your life and lead you from darkness to light.

Study and Test. Study the basics of astrology and test small tips from astrologers to gain confidence in the field. However, remember that astrology requires a good guide, as it can turn into a mental trap if not handled intelligently.

Human Effort. Do not fully depend on astrology. Human effort defines one's destiny, and capable men will secure wealth even after a hundred trials. Respect the tips and guidance given by the astrologer, but remember that your life is in your hands.

7. Balance Learning, Leisure, and Productivity Throughout the Day

During the remaining part of the day (afternoon), he should learn new things.

Afternoon Learning. Afternoons are an ideal time to learn something new, pursue a hobby, read a book, plan a project, or meet someone. This is because the mind can be quite lazy in this period, but if you give it a new direction to work in, surprisingly it will cooperate.

Power Naps. Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining one's health. Take a power nap in the afternoon to refresh and rejuvenate yourself. Chanakya advises that the best time to take a nap is between 1.30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Recreation and Consultation. If you do not get to sleep in the afternoon, go for recreation, such as a walk or yoga, or hold consultations with mentors and consultants. Make it a daily discipline to sleep on time every night.

8. Master Personal Finances Through Planning and Action

Easy to learn and understand, precise in doctrine, sense and word, free from prolixity of text, thus has this work (Arthashastra) on the science been composed by Kautilya.

Wealth Identification. Identify your unique talent or God-given gift through which you can become rich. Develop your inner capabilities, get educated, and learn from other experts. Instead of going after money, identify your inner wealth and money will automatically follow you.

Wealth Creation. Work hard to create wealth by keeping your eyes and ears open for different possibilities. Be very alert and grab the chance before others do. If you truly put in your best, others will inevitably think of you as a person with quality output.

Wealth Management and Distribution. Once you start making money, start saving right away. Take advice from professional wealth managers and invest wisely. Also, look at how you can give back to society and the not-so-fortunate people. Remember, the wealth we give others comes back to us in some way or the other.

9. Align Your Life with Your Swadharma (Natural Calling)

The observance of one’s own swadharma (special duty) leads to heaven and to endless bliss.

Swadharma Defined. Swadharma represents something that is natural to oneself, a talent, natural gift, or quality that is unique to each individual. Instead of copying others, focus on what is best suited for you and be true to yourself.

Finding Your Calling. Observe those moments that bring you happiness in your daily life and check if those moments are repeating themselves. Follow up your observation with another round of self-check. Go and meet an expert in your field of interest, discuss, and get some inputs.

Make it an Ambition. Make it your life goal to find your swadharma and go at it with full force. Take matters in your own hands and don't wait for things to happen. In reality, he had found his swadharma. Have you found yours?

10. Build Strong Relationships at Work and Home

Rulership can be successfully carried out (only) with the help of associates.

Importance of Relationships. Our ability to interact with others, get work done, and lead people in the right direction determines the success we will enjoy in our careers. Regular interaction with successful people will help you keep things in perspective.

Open-Door Policy. Give unrestricted access to those who wish to see you, be it opinions, complaints, or simply a favor. Take quick decisions and move forward. Do not keep any decisions pending.

Formal and Informal Meetings. Attend formal meetings prepared and listen to others. Engage in informal meetings and casual interactions with people. Be a good organizer and make sure to make everyone feel included in meetings led by you.

11. Embrace Family Life as a Path to Fulfillment

In the happiness of the subjects lies the benefit of the king and in what is beneficial to the subjects is his own benefit.

Family as a Priority. Family life is an important aspect of one's overall well-being. Balancing personal, professional, and family life is a challenge, but it is possible to be successful in all three roles.

Duties of a Householder. Earning a living in accordance with one's own special duty, marrying into families of the same caste but not of the same gotra, approaching the wife during the right time, worship of gods, Manes, and guests, making gifts to dependents, and eating what is left over are all duties of a householder.

Respect and Communication. Mutual respect, open communication, and shared values are essential for a harmonious family life. Make time for family prayer, take care of family members, and educate children with love and care.

12. Give Back to Society and Inspire Future Generations

This science (Arthashastra) has been composed by him, who in resentment quickly regenerated the science and the weapon and the earth that was under the control of Nanda kings.

Legacy of Contribution. Aim to contribute to society in a way that the generations to come will remember your work. Inculcate a thirst for knowledge, create systems and processes, and write a book to tell your story to others.

Teach and Mentor. Pass on your experience and wisdom to others. Build an educational institution or teach in an existing one. Giving back to students what one has learned is a great way of taking knowledge forward.

Live to Inspire. Live to inspire others and leave a legacy behind. Your notes, books, and research papers become reference points for others. Remember, there are readers out there waiting to read your story.

Last updated: February 8, 2025