"चलं वित्तं चलं चित्तम् चलं जीवितयौवने।
चलाचलमिदं सर्वम् कीर्तिर्यस्य स जीवति॥" Chanakya Neeti. Chapter 16, Verse 11
Word-to-Word Meaning:
चलं (Chalam): Moving, fickle, transient.
वित्तं (Vittam): Wealth, money.
चलं (Chalam): Moving, fickle, transient (repeated for emphasis).
चित्तम् (Chittam): Mind, intellect, consciousness.
चलं (Chalam): Moving, fickle, transient (repeated for emphasis).
जीवित (Jeevita): Life.
यौवने (Yauvane): Youth.
चलाचलम् (Chalachalam): Moving and stable, transient and permanent (oxymoron indicating everything).
इदं (Idam): This.
सर्वम् (Sarvam): All, everything.
कीर्तिः (Keertih): Fame, reputation.
यस्य (Yasya): Whose.
स (Sa): He.
जीवति (Jeevati): Lives, survives.
English meaning:
"Wealth is fleeting, the mind is fickle, life and youth are transient. Everything in this world is unstable, but the one whose reputation is good always lives on."
Kannada meaning:
"ಸಂಪತ್ತು ಕ್ಷಣಿಕವಾಗಿದೆ, ಮನಸ್ಸು ಚಂಚಲವಾಗಿದೆ, ಜೀವನ ಮತ್ತು ಯೌವನವು ಕ್ಷಣಿಕವಾಗಿದೆ, ಈ ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಅಸ್ಥಿರವಾಗಿದೆ, ಆದರೆ ಕೀರ್ತಿಯು ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಇರುತ್ತದೆ."
Hindi meaning:
"धन क्षणभंगुर है, मन चंचल है, जीवन और यौवन क्षणभंगुर है। इस दुनिया में सब कुछ अस्थिर है, लेकिन जिसकी प्रतिष्ठा अच्छी है वह हमेशा जीवित रहता है।"
Discussion:
The verse "चलं वित्तं चलं चित्तं चलं जीवितयौवने। चलाचलमिदं सर्वं कीर्तिर्यस्य स जीवति॥" from Chanakya Neeti is a profound reflection on the nature of human existence and the transient nature of many aspects of life. Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist, and royal advisor. His teachings, particularly those in the Chanakya Neeti, offer timeless wisdom that remains relevant across ages and cultures.
Wealth is Fleeting
The phrase "चलं वित्तं" (Chalam Vittam) translates to "Wealth is fleeting." This reflects the impermanent nature of material wealth. Throughout history, the instability of wealth has been a recurring theme. Economies rise and fall, currencies lose value, and fortunes can be made and lost overnight. The unpredictability of financial markets and the volatility of economic conditions underscore this point.
Historical Context
Historically, the collapse of great empires and civilizations often resulted in the loss of vast wealth. For instance, the fall of the Roman Empire saw a massive transfer and loss of wealth. Similarly, the Great Depression of the 1930s led to significant financial ruin for many. These historical events exemplify the transience of wealth.
Personal Finance
On a personal level, financial stability can be disrupted by various factors such as job loss, health issues, or poor investment decisions. Hence, Chanakya's teaching encourages a mindset that values wealth as a tool rather than an end in itself. It suggests focusing on sustainable living and prudent financial management.
The Mind is Fickle
The phrase "चलं चित्तं" (Chalam Chittam) translates to "The mind is fickle." This highlights the unstable and ever-changing nature of human thoughts and emotions. The mind's tendency to waver, influenced by internal and external stimuli, can lead to inconsistency in thoughts and actions.
Psychological Perspective
From a psychological perspective, the mind's fickleness is linked to cognitive biases and emotional fluctuations. Cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, and emotional volatility are aspects that contribute to the mind's instability. The Bhagavad Gita also touches on this concept, suggesting that controlling the mind is one of the greatest challenges in life.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Chanakya's recognition of the mind's fickle nature aligns with practices like meditation and mindfulness, which aim to stabilize and focus the mind. These practices help individuals achieve mental clarity and emotional stability, reducing the negative impacts of a wavering mind.
Life and Youth are Transient
The phrase "चलं जीवितयौवने" (Chalam Jeevita Yauvane) translates to "Life and youth are transient." This reflects the impermanence of human life and the fleeting nature of youth. The inevitability of aging and mortality is a fundamental aspect of human existence.
Biological Perspective
Biologically, aging is an irreversible process characterized by the gradual decline of physical and cognitive functions. Youth, often associated with vitality and potential, is a brief phase in the human lifespan. The transient nature of life and youth serves as a reminder of the finite time we have.
Philosophical Perspective
Philosophically, the concept of impermanence is central to many traditions, including Buddhism, which teaches that all conditioned phenomena are subject to change. This understanding encourages individuals to live in the present and make the most of their time, fostering a sense of urgency to pursue meaningful and virtuous lives.
Everything in This World is Unstable
The phrase "चलाचलमिदं सर्वं" (Chalachalam Idam Sarvam) translates to "Everything in this world is unstable." This oxymoronic expression emphasizes the inherent instability of all worldly matters. It underscores the idea that change is the only constant in life.
Natural Phenomena
Natural phenomena like weather patterns, geological events, and biological processes exemplify this instability. The dynamic nature of ecosystems, the unpredictability of natural disasters, and the continuous evolution of species highlight the constant state of flux in the natural world.
Sociopolitical Context
On a sociopolitical level, the rise and fall of governments, shifts in societal norms, and changes in cultural values reflect this instability. Chanakya himself witnessed the instability of political power during the Mauryan era, which likely influenced his views.
The Enduring Value of a Good Reputation
The phrase "कीर्तिर्यस्य स जीवति" (Keertir Yasya Sa Jeevati) translates to "The one whose reputation is good always lives on." This part of the verse highlights the enduring value of a good reputation and virtuous deeds.
Historical Figures
Throughout history, individuals with exemplary reputations have left lasting legacies. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa are remembered not for their wealth but for their contributions to society and their moral integrity. Their reputations have outlived them, inspiring generations.
Ethical Living
Chanakya's teaching encourages ethical living and the pursuit of actions that contribute to a good reputation. It suggests that while material possessions and physical attributes are transient, the impact of one's character and deeds endures. This aligns with the concept of "Dharma" in Indian philosophy, which emphasizes righteousness and duty.
Conclusion:
Chanakya's verse "चलं वित्तं चलं चित्तं चलं जीवितयौवने। चलाचलमिदं सर्वं कीर्तिर्यस्य स जीवति॥" offers profound insights into the nature of human existence. It underscores the transient nature of wealth, the fickleness of the mind, and the impermanence of life and youth, highlighting the inherent instability of worldly matters. However, it also emphasizes the enduring value of a good reputation and virtuous deeds.
This teaching encourages individuals to focus on building a legacy through ethical living and virtuous actions. By doing so, one can achieve a form of immortality, living on through the positive impact they have on others and the lasting memory of their good deeds. Chanakya's wisdom remains relevant, reminding us to prioritize what truly endures over what is fleeting and to strive for a life that leaves a meaningful and positive legacy.
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