In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura narrating yet another anecdote to King Dhritarashtra to drive home a few important pointers pertaining to “Raaja-Dharma” and how a king should always stick on to the path of “Dharma” at all times. Vidura narrates a few messages that Dattaatreya is giving to the “Saadhya-Devas”, who are asking a few clarifications to him. The highlight of the entire discussion is that, a leader should always maintain his calm and composure at all times. He should not lose his temper unwantedly and punish people unnecessarily. A king should also be fair and should treat everyone equally on the same plane. Moreover, the king’s job is to nurture a good environment for his subjects and should ensure that there is no negativity or hostility in the kingdom. These are important and pertinent points that we should also think about even in today’s context as leaders.
Dattatretya’s conversation continues further thus: A king should not involve himself in any activity that is banned by the “Shaastras” (Scriptural texts). This is a direct poke on to King Dhritarashtra from Vidura, as he highlights this point clearly with a pause! This is because, as we all know, King Dhritarashtra was the person who allowed the gambling game to take place at the Hastinapura courtroom, isn’t it? Gambling game is something that is against the “Raaja Dharma” and a king should not be involved in such things. This is one of the most important blunders which King Dhritarashtra had committed – To allow Duryodhana, Sahuni and the others to go ahead with the gambling game. Even though he was not personally involved in the proceedings of the game, it is still considered to be a blunder because he had enabled Duryodhana and others to go for it! Hence, this event was the mark of King Dhritarashtra’s downfall!
Moreover, moving forward, Vidura explains through Dattatreya’s accord that even though a king might be having good intentions, he might be doomed because of his wrong usage of words and communication. Thus, communication is a very important aspect that a king should adhere to and take care of. All of us might remember what Karna and Duryodhana spoke about Draupati when Ducchaasana was trying to physically assault her in the public courtroom during the gambling game episode. Duryodhana wanted to treat Draupati as his “Daasi” (Servant maid) and wanted to enjoy physical pleasures with her! Hence, Duryodhana publicly wanted Draupati to sit on his lap. Adding to these unparliamentary words, Karna started openly supporting Duryodhana by insulting Draupati that she is a wife of five husbands, a scenario which the world has never seen! These are deeply insulting words that were directed towards a chaste wife aren’t they? Hence, in the case of Karna, even though he had good intentions within him, he marked his downfall due to such unparliamentary words that he employed against Draupati.
Narrating all these points, Vidura asks King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I fail to understand one thing with you – Why isn’t Duryodhana listening to your words? Why are you unable to tame Duryodhana and mend his ways? Are you a king or a father in the first place? Which position do you give more importance to, when it comes to Duryodhana? Are you a king first, or a father? This is where you are faltering big time! You do not know how to strike a balance between being a father and a king! Because you’re giving more importance to the position of a father, you are compromising your “Dharma” that you need to perform as a righteous king. Oh King Dhritarashtra! It is high time now that you mend Duryodhana’s ways, both as a father as well as a king! If you’re not doing it now, it is going to be too late as consequences are going to be disastrous not only for Duryodhana, but for the entire Kaurava clan as a whole! The earlier you realize this, the better it is for Hastinapura!”
Saying thus, Vidura blasts King Dhritarashtra for his gross inaction towards Duryodhana! For today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 