Chanakya’s Timeless Lessons on Love and Attachment
Chanakya, the ancient Indian philosopher and strategist, didn’t write extensively about romantic love in the modern sense, but his Chanakya Niti does contain wisdom about relationships, affection, and attachment. Here are five key ideas he expressed about love and human bonds: 1. Love and Attachment Can Blind Judgment Chanakya warned that excessive attachment—whether to people or possessions—can cloud rational thinking. He believed love should not make one lose clarity or wisdom. 2. True Affection Is Selfless He emphasized that genuine love is not transactional. A person who loves truly does so without expecting constant returns, unlike those who show affection only for gain. 3. Love Should Be Balanced With Duty Chanakya often highlighted that personal emotions must not interfere with responsibilities. For him, dharma (duty) and artha (practical wisdom) were higher guiding principles than unchecked passion. 4. The Power of a Loving Partner He acknowledged the importance of a sup...