Chanakya Management Sutras April 15, 2010 by Gajula Praveen Kumar Naidu || sa zrIh wah avyAt || (May that wealth protect you all!) The beginning of any good work is with an invocation. The invocation above is to wealth, for protection: “May that wealth protect you all.” Besides meaning wealth, or plenty or prosperity, šrî also stands for dignity, any virtue or excellence, intellect/understanding, and fame/glory amongst others. And the verb form avyAt also means to do good to, to promote/animate, to give pleasure to, etc., besides to protect. Chanakya Sutras 1. Foundations: sukhasya moolam dharmah asti (Basis of happiness is ethics). dharmasya mulam arthah (Basis of ethics is resources). arthaysa mulam rajyam (Basis of resources is kingdom/enterprise). rajyamulam indriyajayah (Enterprise is rooted in conquering body organs). indriyajayasya mulam vinayah (Conquering organs is rooted to moral training/humility). vinayasya mulam vruddhopaseva (Moral training is based on serving the elders). vruddhopasevaya vijnanam (Worldly knowledge through serving with the learned). vijnanena atmanam sampadayet (Equip yourself fully with wordly knowledge). sampaditatma jitatma bhavati (Knowledgeable are those who have conquered themselves). jitatma sarva-arthaih sanyujyeta (The self conquered shall endow himself with all resources). 2. Counsellors: artha-sampat prakrti-sampadam karoti (Wealth of resources leads to wealth for the people). prakrti-sampada a-nayakam api rajyam niyate (Through excellent people resources an enterprise can be led without a chief). prakrti-kopah sarva-kopebhyo gariyan (People’s anger is the greatest of all angers). a-vinita-svami-labhat a-svami-labhah sreyan (Not having a chief is preferable to having a chief without humility/morality). sampadya atmanam anvichhet sahayavan (After equipping oneself, seek helpers). na a-sahayasya mantra-niscayah (No certainty in policy for one without help). na ekam cakram bhramayati (One wheel cannot make a cart roll). sahayah sama-sukha-duhkhah (Helper is the one who has identical happiness and unhappiness). mani prati-maninam atmani dvitiyam mantram utpadayet (One entitled to respect should generate within himself a second plan as if done by his opposite/a respectworthy person). avinitam snehamatren na mantre kurvita (Do not seek advice from/consult with an arrogant/morally untrained person only because of friendship. srutavantam upadha-suddham mantrinam kurvita (Make him a minister who is learned and has passed the integrity tests). 3. Policies/Strategies: mantra-mulah sarva-arambhah (All beginnings are policy/project based). mantra-raksane karya-siddhih bhavati (Protecting policy/project plans leads to work accomplishment). mantra-visravi karyam nasayati (One who lets policy/project plan trickle away, causes the work to be unsuccessful). pramadat dvisatam vasam upa-yasati (Owing to inattention or mistakes - the managers get pushed under the influence or control of adversaries/enemies). sarva-dvarebhyah mantrah raksitavyah (Policy/project plan must be protected from all loopholes). mantra-sampada rajyam vardhate (Wealth of policies/excellence in projects makes the enterprise grow). sresthatamam mantra-guptim ahuh (Confidentiality of project plans is said to be the most important). karya-andhasya pradipah mantrah (For the workblind, policy/project plan is the lantern). mantra-caksusa para-cchidrani avalokayanti (Vulnerable spots of others are observed/detected using the policy/project planning as eyes). mantra-kale matsarah na kartavyah (At the time of formulating policy/project plan, jealousy ought not operate). trayanam eka-vakye sampratyayah (Firm conviction through concurrence of three). karya-akarya-tattva-artha-darsinah mantrinah (Counsellors are those who show which action to take or not to take by citing meaningful principles). sat-karnat bhidyate mantrah (A policy becomes discriminating from hearing by ‘six ears’). 4. Management: apatsu sneha-samyuktam mitram (Friend is one who stays with you with affection during adversity). mitra-sangrahane balam sampadyate (In obtaining friends, strength is achieved). balavan a-labdha-labhe pra-yatate (The strong exerts himself for obtaining that which is possessed by him). a-labdha-labhah na alasasya (Gaining that which not in possession is not for the lazy). alasasya labdham api raksitum na sakyate (The lazy cannot even protect that which is gained). na ca alsasya raksitam vivaradhate (Neither does the lazy person’s protected gains grow). na bhrtyan presayati (The lazy does not deploy employees). a-labdha-labhadi catustayam rajya-trantram (These four - starting from gaining the non-possessed, protecting that which is gained, making the protected grow, thro’ deployment of resources - together constitute the technology of enterprise/management). 5. Management Science: rajya-tantra-ayattam niti-sastram (Science of ethics/politics depends upon the technology of enterprise). rajya-tantresu ayattau tantra-avapau (Home and foreign relationships depend upon enterprise relationships). tantram sva-visaya-krtyesu ayattam (Actions to be taken in the context of own areas/departments/subjects constitute Internal management). avapah mandala-nivistah (External affairs rest with the surroundings/neighborhood). sandhi-vigrahayoh nir-mandalah (Through treaty and war become free from the bad effects of surrounding competitors). niti-sastra-anugah raja (The one who follows the science of ethics/morality is the chief). an-antara-prakrtih satruh (The neighbouring souverign/kingdom is enemy). eka-antaritam mitram isyate (The one who is separated by one is desired as a friend). hetutah satru-mitre bhavisyatha (Enemy and friend are formed with logical reasons). 6. Alliances: hiyamanah sandhim kurvita (The weak on the decline should seek treaty thro’ collaboration). hiyamanen na sandhim kurvita (One should not collaborate with the weak). tejah hi sandhana-hetuh tad arthanam (Capability is the only reason for collaboration between those with similar resources). na- a-tapta-lohah lohen sandhiyate (Non-heated iron can not be joined with another piece of iron). balavan hinen vi-grunhiyat (The stronger should specifically take over the weak/deficient). na jyayasa samena ya (Not with bigger or equal). gaja-pada-yuddham-iva balavad-vigrahah (A clash with stronger is like the fight between warriors elephant-mounted and on-foot. ama-patram amena saha vinasyati (An earthern pot gets destroyed when it hits another earthern pot). ari-prayatnam abhi-samikseta (Efforts of/actions of the adversary should be closely examined/considered). sandhaya ekatah va (For collaboration or even for standing alone on your own). a-mitra-virodhat atma-raksam avaset (From the opposition of non-friends, ensure self-protection from all sides). dvayah api irsyatah dvaidhi-bhavam kurvita (Even if just two are jealous, create a division between them). 7. Behavior: sakti-hinah balavantam asrayet (The one with less strength should take refuge with one with many strengths). durbala-asrayah duhkham avahati (Taking refuge with powerless invites sorrow). agnivat rajanam asrayet (Take refuge with a chief like with fire). rajnyah prati-kulam na acaret (Do not act or behave in opposition to the chief). uddhata-vesa-dharah na bhavet (Do not be one who wears loud clothes). na deva-caritam caret (Do not behave liek the gods have behaved). durbalah api raja na ava-mantavyah (Even a weak chief should not be belittled). na asti agnau daurbalayam (In fire, there is no weakness). na vyasana-parasya karya-avaptih (Work accomplishment is not for the vice ridden). indriya-vasavarti caturangavan api vinasyati. indriya-vasavartini nasti karyavyaptih (One under the influence organs, even if he were to possess fourfold capability will get destroyed in him with no work accomplishment). na asti karyam dyuta-pravrttasya (For one addicted to gambling, nothing is worthy of undertaking). mrgaya-parasya dharma-arthau vinasyatah (Of those addicted to hunting, ethics and resources get ruined). artha-isana na vyasanesu ganyate (Coveting wealth is not counted amongst vices). na kama-asaktasya karya-anusthanam (No undertaking/accomplishing of work for one who who is lustful). 8. Enforcement: agni-dahat api visistham vak-parusyam (Habit of using too harsh words is even more significant than the burns from fire). danda-parusyat sarva-jana-dvesyah bhavati (Owing to too harsh punishments the chief becomes hateworthy by all people). a-mitrah danda-nityam ayattah (Non-friend is controlled through administration of justice/science of politics). danda-nitim adhi-tisthan praja san-raksita (Staying with the low enforcement systems, the people are protected). dandah sampada yojayati (Control manages wealth and ensures proper resource allocation). danda-abhave mantri-varga-abhavah (Without control, no ministerial class!) na dandat a-karyani kurvanti (Given law, people do not commit deeds which ought not to be done). danda-nityam ayattam atma-raksanam (In law enforcement lies one’s own protection). atmani raksite-sarvam raksitam bhavati (In protecting own self, everything becomes protected). atma-ayattau vrddhi-vinasau (Growth and destruction depend on own self). dandah hi vijnyane pra-niyate (Law enforcement, indeed, is carried into effect through wisdom). dande pra-niyate vrttih (Employment is sustained through enforcement of rules). 9. Resources: vrtti-mulam artha-labhah (Obtaining money is based on employment). artha-mulau dharma-kamau (Ethical behavior and fulfilment of desires are based on money). artha-mulam karyam (Work is based in resources). Yad alpa-praytnat karya-siddhih bhavati (Thence little effort leads to work accomplishment). sarvah ca sampad sarva-upayena pari-grahet (All kinds of wealth/resources should be acquired by all types of means/methods). artha-tosinam srih pari-tyajati (Wealth leaves those who are satisfied with resources that they possess). bhagya-vantam apariksyakarinam srih pari-tyajati (Wealth recedes from a fortunate one who does work without examination). jnana-anumanahih ca pariksa kartavya (Examining ought to be done through knowledge and inference). 10. Working: upayapurvam na duskaram syat (Attended with right means any work does not become difficult to do). an-upaya purvam karyam krtam api nasyati (Work done without proper means get destroyed later thou’ accomplished). karya-arthinam upayeh eva sahayah (For those who want to accomplish work, right means alone is the help). karyam purusa-karena laksyam sampadyate (Work goal is reached through manly efforts). purusa-karam anu-vartate daivam (Luck follows – chance becomes favorable – when manly efforts are put in). daivam vina ati-prayatnam karoti yat tad viphalam (The excessive effort that is made without luck is fruitless). purvam niscitya pascat karyam arabhet (Work ought to be started after planning/deciding earlier). karya-antare dirgha-sutrata na kartavya (No procrastination ought to be done between work). a-samahitasya vrttih na vidyate (For one who is not calm and composed, employment does not exist). na cala-cittasya karya-avyaptih (No work completion for one with indecisive/vacillating mind). hasta-agata-ava-manat karya-vyati-kramah bhavati (Ignoring that which has come into your hands causes work to be not done properly). 11. Work: dosa-varjitani karyani dur-labhani (Work without any fault are seldom found). dur-anubandham karyam na arabhet (A task with bad consequences ought not be started). kala-vid karyam sadhayet (The knower of time should accomplish work). kala-atikramat kalah eva karyam pibati (With passing away of time, the time itself swallows up the work). Ksanam prati kala-viksepam na kuryat sarva-krtyesu (Let seconds not be scattered away in all the actions that ought to be taken). desa-kala-vibhagau jnatva karyam arabhet (Work should be started after knowing the two aspects: place and time). daiva-hinam karyam susadham api duh-sadham bhavati (A luckless task, even when easy to accomplish, becomes difficult to conduct). niti-jnah desa-kalau parikseta (The politically wise ought to examine the aspects of work). pariksya-karini srih ciram tisthati (Wealth stays for long with the one who so examines, and works). 12. Work Manager: duh-sadham api su-sadham karoti upaya-jnah (The knower of right means makes even difficult jobs easy to accomplish). Yah yasmin karye kusalah tam tasmin eva youjayet (One who is skilled/proficient in a particular job should be deployed for doing the same job). a-jnanina krtam api na bahu mantavyam (When performed successfully by a non-knowledgeable and non-skilled person should not be considered worthwhile). yadrcchikatvat krmih api rupa-antarani karoti (Accidently, irrespective of own will, even a worm makes transformations). siddhasya iva karyasya prakasanam kartavyam (Only the completed successful work should be made known/announced). jnana-vatam api daiva-manusa-dosat karyani dusyanti (Even for the knowledgeable and skilled, work assignments get spoiled owing to adverse fate and/or due to human faults). daiva-dosham shanti karmana prati-sedhayet (Adverse fate should be propitiated through peace-ritual). manusim kaya-vipattim kausalena vi-nivaryet (Manmade difficultiesin the work should be skillfully eliminated). karya-vipattau dosan varnayanti balisah (The immature persons narrate mistakes/faults when difficulties arise in work). karya-arthina daksinyam na kartavyam (Work achiever ought not to show kindness/softness). ksira-arthi vatsah matuh-udhah prati-hanti (A Calf wanting milk hits against mother’s tits). a-prayatnat karya-vipattih bhavati (Lack of effort turns into difficulties in work). na daiva-pramananam karya-siddhih (No work accomplishment for those who consider that fate alone decides). karya-bahutve bahu-phalam ayatikam kuryat (When the number of tasks are many, priority should be given to that work which is most fruitful). swayam eva avaskannam karyam nirikseta (Failed/Improperly done jobs must be examined only personally). 13. Work Accomplishment: karya-bahyah na posayati asritan (One who keeps outside of work does not nurture/feed dependents). yah karyam na pasyati sah andhah (One who does not see work is blind). pratyaksa-paroksa-anumanaih, karyani parikseta (Work should be examined through self-observations, others’ observations and logical inferences). a-pariksya-karinam srih pari-tyajati (Wealth deserts the one who works without examination). pariksya tarya vipattih (Difficulties ought to be resolved through examining). sva-saktim jnatva karyam arabhet (One should start work knowing own capability). sva-janam tarpayitva yah sesa-bhoji sah amrta-bhoji (One who enjoys out of the remainder after satisfying own people enjoys ever-endingly). samyag anu-sthanat aya-mukhani vardhante (When all this is followed, the sources of income increase). 14. Human Relations: na asti bhiroh karya-cinta (The timid does not care about work). swaminah shilam jnatva karyarthi karyam sadhayet (Understanding the character of the boss, the work-manager should accomplish his work). dhenoh silajnah hi ksiram bhunkte (Only the one who understands the character of the cow savors the milk). ksudre guhya-prakasanam atma-van na kuryat (Giving out confidential information to the lowly persons should not be done by the self-possessed manager). asritaih api ava-manyate mrdu-svabhavah (Even the juniors disobey the mild-natured). tiksna-dandah sarvaih udvejaniyah bhavati (The harsh enforcer becomes worthy of disgust from all). yatha-arha-danda-kari syat (Become one who punishes as deserves). alpa-saram srutavantam api na bahu-manyate lokah (People do not respect a person of low capability even if he is knowledgeable). ati-bharah purusam ava-sadayati (Overload causes the manager to be exhausted/disheartened). 15. Managerial Actions: yah sansadi para-dosan sansati sah sva-dosam pra-khyapayati (The one who announces faults of others in an assembly, he declares/makes known his own fault). atmanam eva nasayati atmavatam kopah (Anger of the self-esteemed capable destroys only themselves). na asti a-prapyam satya-vratam (Nothing is unachievable for those who keep their promise/word). na kevalena sahasena karya-siddhih bhavati (Success in work comes not through daring alone). sahase khalu srih vasati (Wealth, indeed, resides in risk-taking). vyasanartah vismarati avasya-kartavyam (The one overpowered by vice forgets essential duties). na asti antarayah kala-viksepe (There exists no interruption in loss of time). a-sansaya-vinasat sansaya-vinasah sreyan (Better is to eliminate doubt than to continue to be best with it). 16. Wealth & Desires: kevalam dhanani nikseptuh na svarthah na danam na dharmah (For one who just spends away money, it serves neither self-interest nor is it a payment or a duty). danam dharmah (Payment is duty). a-para-dhana-anapeksam kevalam artha-danam sreyah (Only that wealth given regardless of the money possessed by others is better). na arya-gatah artha-vrddhi-paritah an-artha-bhavah (The worthlessness that arises from departure of growth in wealth does not behave an honorable person). nyaya-agatah arthah (Wealth is that which is earned righteously). tad viparitah artha-abhasah (Contrary to that is only appearance of wealth). yah dharma-arthau na pidayati sah kamah (That which does not injure duties and resources is sensual). tad vi-paritah kama-abhasah (Contrary to that is only appearance of sensual enjoyment) tad viparitah an-artha-sevi (Contrary to that gets served with disaster). ava-maanena agatam aisvaryam ava-manyate sadhuh (Prosperity that accrues/comes via loss of self respect is considered lowly by the virtuous. 17. Character: rju-svabhava-parah janesu dur-labhah (A person totally upright by nature is rare amongst people). gunavada-asrayat nir-gunah api guni bhavati (Serving under the capable, even the incapable becomes capable). ksirasritam jalam ksiram eva bhavati (Water, having reached milk, becomes milk, itself). mahatmana parena sahasam na kartavyam (A noble person ought not make another to act in risk affair). kadavit caritram na langhayet (Not even once should one transgress character). ksudhartah na trnam carati simhah (A lion suffering hungerpangs does not eat grass). pranat ap pratyayah raksitavyah (Confidence/Trust ought to be protected even with life). pisunah neta putra-daraih api tyajyate (A malignant leader is forsaken even by the wives and sons). balat api artha-jatam srunayat (When full of meaning, even the saying from an ignoramous ought to be listened to. satyam api a-sraddheyam na vadet (The unbelievable, even when true, should not be spoken). 18. Faults: bahun api gunan ek-dosah grasati (Many a virtues are eclipsed by a single fault). na alpa-dosat bahu-gunah tyajyante (For a minor fault, many good qualities are not sacrificed/forsaken. vipscitsu api sulabhah dosah (Faults, are easily found even amongst the learned). na asti ratnam a-khanditam (No precious stone is without a crack). maryada-atitam na kadacit api visvaset (Never even once trust one who has crossed the limit). a-priye krte priyam api dvesayam bhavati (Even the good done to the disliked becomes hateworthy). namanti api tulakotih kupa-udaka-ksyam karoti (Though bowing politely, the pot-wheel empties away well water). satam matam na ati-kramet (Opinion of the truthful should not be transgressed). 19. Enthusiasm: utsaha-vatam satravah api vasi-bhavanti (For the enthusiastic, even the enemies become favorable). vikrama-dhanah hi rajanah (Prowess, indeed, is the richness of chiefs). na asti alasasya aihikam smusmikam va (For the lazy, is neither this world nor the next, after death). nir-utsahat daivam patati (From lack of enthusiasm, chance of success reduces). atma-cchidram na prakasayet (One ought not publicize/reveal own vulnerability). chhidra-praharanah satravah api (Those hitting on vulnerable spots are indeed adversaries). swa-janasya dur-vrttam nivarayet (Wrong behavior of own persons should be reformed). eka-anga-dosah purusam ava-sadayati (The fault of on-sidedness causes a man to get destroyed). kam api purusam na ava-manyeta (One ought not belittle or insult any person whatever). ksantavyam iti purusam na badheta (Considering one, may be pardoned, one should not be vindictive against any person). karya-sankatesu artha-vyavasayini buddhih (Intelligence is that which uses resources meaningfully for resolution of difficulties in work). 20. Own Persons: swa-janesu ati-kramah na kartayah (Do not cross limits in the cases of near ones). mata api dusta tyajya (Even the mother should be forsaken, if vile/viscious/corrupted). swa-hasta api visa-digdhah chedyah (Own hand also worthy of being cut off, when imbibed with poison). a-pratikaresu sanadarah na kartavyah (One ought not disrespect those who do not desist or oppose). parah api ca hitah bandhuh (If an outsider/foreigner is benevolent, he too is a friend/brother). gune na matsarah kartavyah (No jealousy ought to be shown in virtue). sansadi satrum na pari-kroset (Enemy is not to be lamented upon in an assembly). satroh api sugunah grahyah (Good qualities are worth acquiring even from the enemy). cira-paricitanam ati-upacarah sankitavyah (Excessive obeisance from those familiar since long is to be doubted). ati-sangah dosam utpadayati (Excessive closeness generates fault). 21. Ethics: dharmena dharyate lokah (The world is supported/looked after through duties). daya dharmasya janma-bhumih (Empathy is the motherland of ethics). dharma-mule satya-dane (Truth and payment, both are rooted in ethics). dharmena jayati lokan (He wins over the people through ethics). atma-vinasam sucayati a-dharma-buddhih (Wanting to be unethical indicates self-destruction). na asti ahankara-samah satruh (There exists no enemy which equals egotism). durdarsanah hi rajanah praja nasyanti (Immoral chiefs indeed destroy the employees). su-darshanah rajanah praja raksanti (Ethical chiefs protect employees). nyaya-yuktam rajanam mataram manyate praja (A just chief is considered to be equated with mother by the employees). tadrsah sa raja iha sukham tatah svargam ca apnoti (The king like that begets happiness here, and heaven hereafter). ||sukhasya mulam dharmah|| || Happiness is rooted in Ethics || http://wayback.archive.org/web/20130808001346/http://praveenknaidu.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/chanakya-on-management/