All actions of our sensory organs are controlled by our mind. No sensory organs will move or act on its own without any prompt from the mind. The mind is thus called the Indira, the controller of all sensory organs. God has framed all the rules and regulations to be followed by us all. He has provided food for us all as well as means of security for ourselves. While the animals have different tools to defend and protect themselves, we, the humans, make use of our intelligence, knowledge and wisdom. We ensure our safety and security by using various ways and means by making use of our intelligence and knowledge. God also filled this world with people and there are some people with rare wisdom and high intelligence. They are knowledgeable. By making use of their knowledge they have devised various methods, systems and means not only to protect themselves but also to ensure the safety of others. God has gifted mankind with special characteristics – each person has a different smell, difference lines on the fingers, different lines and shades in the retina, and also each and everyone walks differently.

Man has also developed methods to analyse the characteristics of someone who had passed away hundreds of years ago – this is done by analyzing the characteristics of bones and by doing DNA testing. Man is the special creation of God. Man has only been able to discover the physical characteristics of human bodies, but far higher is the thought that it is God who had created mankind. Man has not been able to create a man, only gone in to analyse the constitution of the human body. It is, in fact, God who has created everything including mankind in the world.

No doubt God has gifted mankind with wisdom, but still, man continues to learn from other creatures, birds and animals. Chanakya has stated that man can and should learn from the animals. [Kautalya, Chanakya and Vishnugupta are three names of the same person. ‘Chanakya Neeti’ was produced during the period from 321 BC to 290 BC. Chanakya was the Prime Minister of Chandra Gupta Maurya. He was a sage statesman who helped establish the first Indian empire, stretching from the Hindu Kush in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south of India]. In his widely-acclaimed Chanakya Neeti, he has highlighted that man, in order to be successful in the world, can learn from the birds and animals. There are 20 lessons which could be learnt from animals and birds. Chanakya has given examples from Lion, Crane, Cock, Crow, Dog and Donkey.

1. Lion: One lesson can be learnt from the lion. The lion uses its own power and strength for hunting. Whether the prey is small or large, the lion makes full use of its power and energy. It always hunts alone and relies its own strength. It does not depend on any group support. It has been endowed with excessive vitality, courage, energy, sharp teeth and powerful claws. It accomplishes its own job all alone. This wholehearted approach is a key component of success. 02 Crane: It teaches one lesson and that is full concentration and focused approach to achieve the target. It focuses on the prey before striking with lightning speed. Before striking, the crane undertakes a thorough assessment of the situation. Focussed approach brings the desired result – never missing the attack. The bird has a tremendous skill of analysis and a brute force to capture its prey. Arjuna was trained by Dronacharya by using the same technique. Dhyan/meditation is the technique which can be learnt from the crane.

03 Cock can teach us four lessons.

[i] Waking up early in the morning before sunrise. That is the time to plan something good, pray, cleanup the surroundings and gain knowledge. Waking up also means to get up with the work and responsibilities. One wakes up to undertake one’s responsibilities seriously. Early morning is the best time to study, pray and meditate;
[ii] Thecock has a dominating nature. It protects and defends the family with aggression. It teaches –how to behave in the group and how to deal with others. Do not surrender. Face people and face all the moods. Solve all the problems; [iii] Living together, working smoothly in the community. Enjoy togetherness. There is no indiscrimination among the flock. Learn unity from the cock; [iv] Look for food from anywhere and everywhere and share the food with everyone.
04 Crow gives us five lessons. It has a harsh voice and thus not kept as pets.

[a] They are clever,firm and with strong resolution. It is not afraid. Courage is needed for success in life;
[ii] Very alert, attentive, conscious and careful; [iii] Does not trust anyone. Keeps its own secrets. Does not believe in others;
[iv] Farsighted – can look for food or object of interest which are kept far away and, therefore, fixes its eyes on the object;
[v] Quick action – does not leave any chance. It can steal things when people are inattentive. Attacks, when the time and opportunity are ripe;
[vi], Does not allow anyone to come near its nests. Unity and common action to ensure their own protection. Steals away its share when the opportunity comes.

05 A dog teaches 6 lessons: Dog is man’s best friend and known for loyalty;
[i] Eats less and gets satisfied; [ii] Faithfulness – keeps watching the premises thus bringing about security and protection;
iii] Pin-drop sleep – wakes up with the slightest movement. Students should sleep like dogs – remain attentive always;
[iv] Does not forget the smell. Sure recognition;
[v] Shows bravery when needed; [vi] When hungry or when needed it goes out begging and fills up the belly. People, therefore, are always keen to feed street dogs because they are faithful and friendly.

06 Donkey teaches us three lessons. This beast of burden is well- known for its endurance and stamina;
[i] Never shirks work – always ready any time;
[ii] Does not mind the season – summer, rainy or winter. It is ready any time;
[iii] Remains fully satisfied and self-contented all the time – does not complain for food or work or season.
Those who follow these traits picked from the animals and birds, remain alert, conscious, and energetic to accomplish all the tasks. These are the lessons learnt from animals and birds to succeed in life. These twenty virtues help conquer all enemies and the person remains unconquerable. These are the secrets given out by Chanakya to the citizens to create a stable environment for success.