3 Timeless Chanakya Secrets for Mind Mastery and Peace

Acharya Chanakya was an Indian philosopher who gifted us timeless wisdom about power, statehood, political relations and about life itself. Indeed, the advices and ideas of Chanakya helped the emperor Chandragupta in establishing the Maurya Empire in 320 BCE. Arthashastra and Chanakya Niti are two classic texts that cover most of the powerful lessons of this great mind. In this article, we will explore 3 classic teachings of Chanakya for attaining absolute inner calmness and balance.


Acharya Chanakya wrote in Chanakya Niti:

“He who is overly attached to his family members experiences fear and sorrow, for the root of all grief is attachment. Thus one should discard attachment to be happy.”

Here the legendary philosopher has gifted us one of the most important lessons that we should learn for inner peace i.e., letting go of attachments. In fact, we should love our family members and friends. But we should always keep in mind the impermanent of nature of everything in this world including relationships.

Human beings change. Life is engaged in a constant state of flux. Therefore, by realising this ultimate truth of existence, avoid getting attached to not just people, but also material possessions, fame or respectable positions. When this understanding prevails in our hearts, we won’t expect anything in return from others. Perform your duty and go forward with life. Expectations and attachments are two pathways to grief.


“There is no austerity equal to a balanced mind, and there is no happiness equal to contentment; there is no disease like covetousness, and no virtue like mercy.”

Here Acharya has provided us three great values that we should follow in order to maintain balance of mind. They are contentment, avoiding covetousness and being merciful. If an individual is happy with whatever that he has, no external elements or people can disturb his inner calm. Sadness comes from desiring something and not having it. Be happy with what you have. If good things come your way, welcome them with a wholesome heart. If they don’t come your way? No issues, you already possess the things that you need in order to lead a good life.


“The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability.”

A fundamental aspect that disturbs the internal wellbeing of people is the habit of running after short-term, sensual gratifications. Desires are like wild fire and trying to fulfil them is like throwing oil into fire. The more we run after them, the bigger they grow. Instead we should realise the fleeting and impermanent nature of these emotions and feelings. Be aware. Be mindful. If you remain non-reactive, you will begin to notice the cravings and aversions slowly leaving you. Meditation is the best technique that we can adopt in order to develop equanimity or a non-reactive mindset.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Chanakya married or unmarried?
   According to traditional narratives and legends, Chanakya was married. He married a Brahmin woman early in his life.
2. What are the four diplomatic tools of Chanakya?
   Chanakya's four diplomatic tools for foreign policy in his treatise the Arthashastra, are Sama, Dana, Bheda and Danda.
3. What is the pen name of Chanakya?
   Chanakya is widely known by his pen names Kautilya and Vishnugupta.