Restrains of Organs of Sense

Restrains of organs of sense has been written with an intension to guide towards moral life. As the wealthy life of a king always provokes him towards lust and greed, with such restrains it is intended to be away from such greed and lust and live a virtuous life. As such the chapter in two parts firstly describes the vices which need to be restrained and then the principles which will help the king to live a holy life.

Restrain of Organs of Sense in its first part mentions controlling one`s emotions on which the success of the study of sciences depends. The restraint can be enforced by abandoning the elements like lust, anger, greed, vanity, haughtiness and overjoy. It denotes that absence of discrepancy in the perception of sound, touch, colour, favour and scent by means of ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose. This had been the perpetual teachings of Arthashastra which aims at living a virtuous life with restrain of organs of sense.

Restrain of Organs of sense makes all efforts to warn against the deplorable conditions in which the king may find himself if do not follow the discipline of sciences leading to restrain of sense .Those capable of observing these principles will perish even if he possessed the length and breadth of the land. Kautilya also sets examples for those who could not withstand the restrains of sense organs and perished in due course. As such the king is advised to be alert and careful in building his own moral lifestyle and lead a life of saint.

Restrain of Organs of sense then reveals the methods for leading a saintly life. By overthrowing his aggregate of six enemies the king shall be in a position to restore his restrain of organs, he shall benefit better level of wisdom in the company of the aged, by seeing through the spies, remaining active and alert he shall be in a position to provide security to his people. Further he can maintain his subjects in observance of their duties by exercising authority and keep up his personal discipline by receiving lessons in the sciences. With his organ of senses in full control the king shall be in a position where he does not hurt the women and property of others. At the same time he shall be able to avoid lust, greed and haughtiness and keep away from unrighteous and uneconomical ventures.

This chapter in Book I of Arthashastra then claims that if the king is successful in restraining the organ s then he shall enjoy wealth and pleasure of life which is most vital in every one`s life. Kautilya advices the king to take in account the suggestion of the ministers as that will put a check on his deeds and at the same time help him to run an administration with cooperative initiative.

Thus, Restrain of Organs of sense checks the king from observing anything which is unlawful and unrighteous. This will finally lead to failure of sovereignty as the latter comes only with assistance. To lead a virtuous kingdom it, thus, remains compulsory for the king to lead a life of virtue and honour.