According to Chanakya Niti, wealth earned through unethical means, theft, or deceit never brings prosperity and leads a person towards poverty. Taking bribes, deceiving others, or stealing are primary ways of such wealth acquisition. The Niti states that wealth earned through injustice lasts for ten years, after which it is completely destroyed.
Chanakya Niti: The Nitishastra of Acharya Chanakya states that three wrong ways of earning money – unethical means, acquiring wealth through deception, and theft – do not bring prosperity to a person. Such wealth creates mental distress and social disrepute. The Niti, through the verse “Anyaayopaarjitam dravyam dasha varshaani tishthati, praapte ekadashe varshe samoolam cha vinashyati”, clarifies that wealth earned through injustice lasts only for ten years and is destroyed in the eleventh year.
Wealth Earned Through Unethical Means
According to Chanakya Niti, if a person earns money by breaking rules and regulations or through improper methods, that wealth is never permanent. Taking bribes, gaining undue advantage, or acting against the rules falls under unethical wealth. Such wealth not only fails to provide spiritual satisfaction but also gives rise to instability and problems in life. Along with this, there is a risk of diminishing respect and honor in society. Chanakya believed that crisis and discontent are always hidden behind wealth earned through unethical means.
Wealth Earned Through Deceit
Earning money through deceit is also considered forbidden in Chanakya Niti. If money is obtained by misleading someone or through trickery, it never remains permanent. Mental stress is associated with such wealth. A person is always in fear and anxiety that their wrong deeds might be exposed. Furthermore, wealth earned through deceit damages a person's reputation and reduces their respect in society. Chanakya stated that wealth earned through deceit does not provide lasting benefit in life; it only offers temporary convenience.
Wealth Earned Through Theft
Earning money through theft is also harmful. Chanakya clarified that wealth earned through theft or attempts at theft never remains permanent. It not only weakens a person's financial condition but also diminishes their reputation in society. Such wealth does not bring inner contentment, and a person's mental peace is also disturbed. Chanakya Niti states that wealth earned through theft and injustice is gradually destroyed and its period of stability is very short.
Chanakya Niti Verse
Chanakya expressed this in his verse as follows:
Anyaayopaarjitam dravyam dasha varshaani tishthati.
Praapte ekadashe varshe samoolam cha vinashyati.
This means that wealth earned through injustice, dishonesty, and wrong methods lasts only for ten years. In the eleventh year, this wealth is completely destroyed. This verse clarifies that no person should attempt to earn money through improper means, as it does not yield long-term benefits.
Importance of Earning Wealth Through Honest Means in Life
According to Chanakya, ethics, honesty, and hard work are essential for earning wealth. Only wealth earned through such means brings lasting happiness, prosperity, and respect in life. Wealth earned through honest means provides mental satisfaction and respect in society.
Chanakya Niti also suggests that earning wealth should not be solely for financial gain, but it should be used for the welfare of society and family. Only wealth earned honestly and used properly brings lasting happiness in life.
