From a satsang with Paramacharya of SWAHA, Pundit Hardeo Persad
Chanakya, the ancient famous strategist and thinker (c. 350 BC), advises us on the paths that we should avoid, as well as the ones that we should follow, that will lead us to experiencing and connecting with the Divine. One of his profound sayings is that anger is self-destruction; lust is the river of hell, Vaitarani; knowledge is the cow of plenty, Kamadhenu; and satisfaction is the divine orchard, Nandanvan.
In life, when we are faced with challenges, many become quite angry. Chanakya Maharaj advises that anger is akin to death; it makes one lose all reason and self-destruct. In addition to creating strained relationships and uncomfortable feelings with others, individuals who become angry over and over again will destroy themselves. Anger must be controlled by the wise individual. According to the Bhagavad Gita, the cause of anger is unfulfilled desire. Instead of surrendering to anger, we must cultivate and practise an attitude of contentment.
Contentment or satisfaction is referred to as Nandanban. It is said to be the divine orchard where Lord Krishna sports, a place of ecstasy, bliss and unbounded joy. If we are seeking Krishna Kanhaiya, there is contentment; if there is no contentment, then there is greed, which is also destructive. Undoubtedly, we need materialism in order to fulfill our hierarchy of needs, but materialism also tends to bind us to this world and creates further problems. Materialism must not be left unchecked, or be devoid of dharma (righteousness) and self-control. The earth is enough to fulfil every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.
In Hinduism, there is reference to the ‘cow of plenty’, Kamadhenu. If we take care of it, all our legitimate desires will be fulfilled. It is vidya, knowledge. It is said that a wealthy man is often only recognised in his own country, but a man of knowledge and erudition is recognised worldwide. Knowledge is significant and this is why we place such emphasis on education. By gaining knowledge, education and skills in life, we receive Kamadhenu, in that it sustains us in our worldly needs. Chanakya advises that we must seek knowledge, avoid cravings and be satisfied with our life.
Another well-known, life-sustaining aphorism, that is attributed to Chanakya, states: Truth is mother; wisdom, father; dharma is one’s brother; compassion is one’s friend; peace is one’s consort and one’s son, forbearance. These are the six relations that we must carry with us throughout our life. Unfortunately, our relationships in life are all temporary; they must all end one day. However, if we cultivate these qualities within us, our relations remain with us for all time.
