NITAAI-Veda.nyf > All Scriptures By Acharyas > Chanakya Pandita > MAXIMS OF CHANAKYA > MAXIMS FROM ARTHASASTRA > COUNSELLORS, AIDES, ALLIES |
2. COUNSELLORS, AIDES, ALLIES
Governance is possible only with
assistance. A single wheel
rWc not move Hence ministers should be appointed and their
counsel listened to.
(The ruler) devoid of the power of counsel, should gather
around him a collection of wise men or
consult learned elders. Thus would he
attain immediate prosperity.
Indra's council of ministers consists of one thousand
sages. That is his eye. Hence it
is that they call him "the thousand-eyed one", though he has only two eyes.
(With whom shall an
alliance be made?): one to whom he is dear
or one who is dear to him? He
shall go to him, to whom he is dear.
This is the best way of forming an alliance.
An allv with increased power is untrustworthy for
prosperity changes the mind.
Difficulties stabilise
friendships.
Rendering help is the sign of a friend.
Those with established relationship do not desert, even if
offended.
Such loyalty is seen even among animals. For example, cows
pass by unaccustomed herds and stay
always in the company of known herds.
Those whose relationship with the ruler is established over a
long period are however likely to
completely take over everything from
the ruler and pose as rulers
themselves.
Classmates, though they are trustworthy, will not respect the
ruler, having been playmates. (Hence
they should not be appointed as
ministers.)
Those who have a similar
nature in secret matters and who have common vices and habits (in common with the ruler) do not offend him out of fear that he knows their
secrets.
Just as those not well-versed in the scriptures are unfit to eat
the feast offerings to the dead given by
good people, so too rulers not well-versed in the various
sciences of state are not
fit to hear ministerial
counsel.
(A weak ally) even if he
gets only a small share or the spoils of
victory from the superior ally should appear contented.
in the absent of support,the supported do not exist.