Raja- Rishi
An unpopular pragmatic philosophy by Kautilya
Dear Prosperity-seekers,
Welcome to the world of “intellectual prosperity." In this edition, we will discuss an unheard pragmatic philosophy coined by Kautilya (Chanakya) during 300 BCE. This philosophy, believe me when I say this, not only encourages us to be prosperous materialistically but also pushes us to prosper in the realm of spirituality. Before learning the philosophy of Raja-Rishi, let us briefly understand who Chanakya was.
Who was Chanakya?
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was a prominent figure in ancient Indian history, particularly during the Mauryan Empire, where he served as a teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist, and royal advisor. His seminal work, the "Arthashastra," offered comprehensive insights into statecraft, economics, politics, diplomacy, law, and military strategy, laying the foundations for effective governance. Chanakya's strategic prowess was evident in his role in establishing the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya, where he orchestrated the downfall of the Nanda dynasty and implemented centralized administrative reforms. His emphasis on economic prosperity led to the promotion of agriculture, trade, and commerce, along with innovative taxation and revenue generation policies. Despite his pragmatic approach, Chanakya underscored the importance of ethical governance, advocating for rulers to uphold dharma and govern with compassion and justice. His educational legacy continues to inspire scholars and leaders, cementing his enduring influence on Indian society and governance.
Raja-Rishi - Materialistically a King, thoughtfully a monk
Commoner Chandragupta Maurya, while being schooled and trained by Kautilya to become king, inquired about the characteristics of a perfect monarch. To which Kautilya, full of wisdom, thoughtfully replied, "An ideal king should be the one who externally possesses all the luxury and comforts one can have: a large palace, a multitude of horses and elephants for his commute, a significant number of servants at his command, a magnanimous military power at his disposal that can conquer any country he desires. But simultaneously should be detached from all of this from within. His heart should beat for the benefit of society, his intellect should solely consider the betterment of people's life while making decisions. A truly ideal sort is the one who acts like a king but thinks like a monk."
There is no better exemplification of this philosophy than the life and works of Mr. Ratan Tata.
Mr Ratan Tata, one of India's most renowned industrialists and philanthropists, has exemplified a kind-hearted soul through his numerous philanthropic initiatives. Despite being one of the richest individuals in India, Tata has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving back to society. His philanthropic works span various sectors including healthcare, education, rural development, and disaster relief. The Tata Trusts, founded by the Tata family, are among the largest charitable organizations in India, focusing on initiatives to alleviate poverty, improve healthcare access, and promote education. Additionally, Tata has personally contributed to numerous social causes, such as supporting cancer treatment centres, establishing educational institutions, and providing aid during natural disasters. His generosity and compassion have earned him widespread admiration and respect, highlighting his dedication to making a positive impact on society and uplifting the less fortunate. His business acumen combined with his liberal altruist nature make him an outstanding embodiment of Raja-Rishi's worldview.
My take on this
I firmly think that whatever attributes we have been blessed with in life, whether riches, intelligence, knowledge, or a skill, are a gift from God. Fools feel they own it, whilst wise people understand that they are only custodians of their qualities. We should utilize it wisely solely for the betterment of society and uplift humanity, and whenever our wise judgment instructs us, we should open the gates of these qualities and allow them to flow to those in need.
Stay tuned to Prosper!
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