Chanakya was a brahmin and political advisor to King Chandragupta Maurya. He was skillful with words and a man of astute principles. His life revolved around following ideals which came to be known as neeti shastra to lead an ideal life.Neeti shastra is an excellent timeless treatise which holds true even to this day. Many kings built their empires from the science of administration, trade and economics written by Chanakya.

Chanakya is considered to be the ’Maharishi of time management’. Chanakya states that there is a particular time for every work and one who works as per a plan and according to time achieves what he/she desires.

Chanakya is an advocate of destiny. He states that whatever is written in the fate is bound to happen but only through steady focus and hard work, one gets his fruits.

Chanakya states that a man who often depends on others seldom progresses in life. He beautifully explained it with the example of moon. The moon depends on the sun. Therefore, when the sun shines brightly in the sky, the moon is hidden by its astounding brilliance. Similarly, a man who seeks shelter in another’s house will always be treated as a lesser being by that person. Therefore, it is necessary to be self-reliant and he asserts to enhance one’s own personality to achieve something in life.

Below are the 17 chapter of Chanakya Neeti Shastra with transliteration and english meaning.