Tantra, Mantra, Rajaneeti & Kootaneeti: The Unmistakable Connection
Mantra and Tantra were regarded by Kautilya as two crucial elements in the art and science of Vedic approach to politics – Rajaneeti. Without a plan and a strategy to execute it Shakti (read Power) is of no use. In Arthashastra, he declares “Power by itself is useless” and that “Person who seeks power without sound Mantra (objective) and Tantra (strategy) is verily consumed by it.”
Read MoreMantra: The Idea that Creates, Sustains or Destroys
Mantra is by far the most misused as well as abused word of Vedic Sanskrit. The mantra was never some “spell” reciting which you could recite to “magically” summon “divine powers” or “superhuman intervention.” Mantra is also considered by many to be synonymous with yet another Vedic Sanskrit word Shloka.
Read MoreThe Qualities of an Undeserving Leader according to Chanakya a.k.a. Kautilya
राज्य (Rajya) in Vedic Sanskrit means Administration. A great many translators of Kautilya’s Arthashastra have translated it as Nation-State, State, Country, etc. Kautilya a.k.a. Chanakya also uses a word called राज्यनर्ह: Rajyanarha. And because Rajya is misunderstood as Nation-State and Anarha mean Unworthy, Rajyanarha is often misunderstood as an individual unworthy of the state or citizenship. The correct translation of Rajyanarha, therefore, is a person unworthy of administration, power or Leadership. And according to Kautilya the following ten are unmistakable qualities of an individual unworthy of power:
Read MoreMahantam: The Vedic Interpretation of Greatness
Mahantam is Vedic Sanskrit word meaning Greatness. It consists of two words, namely: Maam or Self and Hantam or End. Therefore, Mahantam is also an absence of selfish desires and ego. Not surprisingly, according to Vedic knowledge and wisdom, a selfish person can seldom qualify as Great.
Read MoreVedic Approach to Resolving Emotional Crisis
The mind consists of ideas and thoughts. If you choose ideas and thoughts of helplessness, chance, and luck – your mind will function in ways supporting those ideas undermining your potential. But if you choose thoughts of perseverance, persistence, and forethought - the mind will utilize every faculty of your body to work to its fullest potential. So, you must be very cautious with what thoughts or ideas you feed into the mind of yours, consciously as well as unconsciously.
Read MoreBhartrihari’s Wisdom: Niti Shataka
By U. Mahesh Prabhu Legends have it that Bhartrihari once ruled the city of Ujjain. Although a loving ruler his mind was always engrossed about Love and Romance. He had over 100 beautiful women for his wives. No wonder he spent negligible time in the affairs of the state. His …
Read MoreWater in a Waterless Desert
Ancient Vedic tale translated from Sanskrit by U. Mahesh Prabhu Long ago there were two old merchants, who were close friends and together began preparations for a dangerous trip to a distant land to sell their goods and, of course, to make considerable profit. They had to decide whether to …
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