In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura continuing his accord on “Dharma” and how a king should follow the path of “Dharma” meticulously. We’ve witnessed a few important pointers such as “Sama”, “Dhana”, “Bheda” and “Dhanda” methodologies of dealing with various situations and when we should employ which methodology. Subsequently, Vidura is also explaining how a righteous king’s attitude should always be towards protecting the welfare of his people, rather than merely fulfilling his selfish needs. Moreover, Vidura says that it is important for a king to amass wealth and invest it properly. However, this wealth shouldn’t be for personal benefits, but for the welfare of the people in the kingdom.
Moving on further thus, Vidura continues: “Oh King Dhritarashtra! One of the most important hallmarks of a righteous king is his willingness to listen to experts on various matters. A king should always be open to criticism and should always look at ways to rectify and mend his ways. Making mistakes is something which is common for all human beings. However, if someone points out our mistakes and suggests ways to correct them, we should be open enough for it. The level of openness that a king exhibits, will determine whether he is walking the righteous path or not. Moreover, none of us can be 100% in whatever we know. We might have several gaps in our learning, and if someone is trying to throw light upon something that we might not know, we should lend our ears and listen to them! The more we listen to elders and experts, the more we will learn! Moreover, a king is celebrated as a very righteous person if he discharges all his duties promptly along the path of “Dharma” at all times. Yudishtra is an epitome of this! Oh King Dhritarashtra! When Yudishtra spent twelve years in the forest, do you think he was just whiling away his time doing nothing? Yudishtra spent time with several great sages in the forest and had the opportunity to learn a lot from all of them. This is the hallmark of a righteous king! He should be prepared to go in search of places wherever “Dharma” is being propagated, which is exactly what Yudishtra did. Moreover, as you might be knowing very well, Yudishtra has Bhagawan Krishna by his side. Who else other than Bhagawan Krishna knows “Dharma” in this world better? Hence, these twelve years that Yudishtra had spent in the forest has made him stronger than ever in the path of “Dharma”, along with Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha”!”
Vidura continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please understand one thing – If you’re starting to think that you know everything, it marks the beginning of your downfall in various ways! If I’ve to analyze the way in which you’re carrying forward the administration, you are not doing your duty in the way you’ve to do. Of course, you’re listening to people’s words and I’m very happy about that. However, when it comes to implementation, you are refusing to act as per the advice given by experts. It is not enough if you listen to all what myself or Sanjaya is saying! You’ve to put these words into action and this is what will yield results. Mere listening doesn’t help! You’re the one who should decide as to how much territory should be given to Yudishtra and how much is to be given to Duryodhana. If you’re delaying this further because of your indecisiveness, you’re only creating more and more rift between the two camps! If you’re continuing with this indecisiveness and because of this if you’re ending up taking a hasty decision, please understand that the consequences are going to be disastrous! You’re going to be the sole reason for the destruction of your entire Kaurava clan! Hence, Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please understand my words! Even now it is not too late! You can still make a course correction even now! Please be assertive in your decision-making!”
Saying thus, Vidura renders important pieces of advice to King Dhritarashtra and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 