Win the war

Sometimes in life we come across situations when we have to face a stronger enemy and know we are licked from day one. How do we tackly such a situation?.

The answer to this lies in Chanakya Sutra. Remember that Chanakya was insulted by the then powerful Nandas. He was a mere poor brahmin and the Nandas were the mighty kings. He took a vow to defeat them and bided his chance,but never for once did he accept defeat. However, he was practical. After all, he was an expert in a field wherein all were playing games with one or the other all the while – making strategies, plans and conspiracies. He waited and waited till he found an able ally in young Chandra Gupta Maurya 'Vikramaditya', who he thought was stronger than Mauryas.

His philosophy is reflected in the sutra ,“He should seek shelter with one whose strength is superior to the strength of the enemy” (7.2.6)

When faced with an enemy who is stronger than you, the best situation is to have a stronger friend on your side. Because only strength will respect strength. We should be more powerful than the enemy by acquiring greater strength.

This is true in Corporate Management and stresses the importance of strategic alliances. Making friends with a much stronger ally would help in countering competition. The ally has more experience in fighting wars. It can protect you during calamities.

Also Chanakya advises one to keep his ego in check during a battle. Think of the long term- lose your ego and ‘surrender’ to a person superior to your enemy so that you get the required help. After all, you can defeat the enemy only if you survive through the turmoil in long run.

It is alright to lose some battles, as long as you win the war. Win with the wisdom your superior alliance gives rather than loose with your ego centric actions.

In the long run, winning is everything.

At times, you need to win over the enemy too, swallowing your ego. Chanakya did this. Budhi Rakshasa was the loyal minister of Nandas and was a perpetual thorn to Chanakya in his quest to defeat Nandas. When the Nandas were conquered and Budhirakshasa was jailed, Chanakya goes to him and convinces him to become the Prime Minister of Vikramaditya. This he did for two reasons; first he thought that the loyalty, intelligence and experience of Budhirakshasa will stand Vikramaditya in good stead; second, it was better to have Budhirakshasa in his side than as an opponent, for then he can be dangerous.