02.057
Core-Pancharatra: Duryodhana rebukes Vidura.
Duryodhana said.
You always praise only the fame of others, remaining hidden and constantly criticizing the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. We know you, Vidura, as someone who is dear to them; you treat us with disregard, as if we were children. (2-57-1)
A person whose desires are elsewhere is easily recognized, for he equally associates with both blame and praise. The tongue and your mind reveal the heart; the greater one declares the mind's opposition. (2-57-2)
You have been brought close like a serpent in the lap; like a cat, you harm your benefactor. Because you destroy your master, people say you are even more sinful; therefore, O steward, why do you not fear sin? (2-57-3)
Having conquered the enemies and gained great benefit for us, do not, after harming us, speak harsh words here. You, who delight in association with our enemies, repeatedly turn to hatred against us out of utter delusion. (2-57-4)
A man who speaks impatiently becomes an enemy; he does not hide secrets when among enemies. For the shameless dependent, what does not trouble him? Whatever you wish, you say here today. (2-57-5)
Do not look down upon us, for we understand your mind; learn wisdom from the elders. O Vidura, protect your well-earned fame; do not involve yourself in the affairs of others. (2-57-6)
O Vidura, do not think 'I am the doer'; do not always speak harsh words to us here. I do not ask you, Vidura, for what is beneficial to me; O steward, may there be well-being, do not destroy the patient ones. (2-57-7)
There is only one teacher; there is no second teacher. The teacher instructs even the person lying in the womb. Instructed by him, just as water flows from a slope, so do I act as I am appointed. (2-57-8)
He who breaks the mountain earth with his head and feeds others is the one who truly commands his own actions. (2-57-9)
He who instructs by force here makes an enemy for himself; but the wise man should overlook even an obedient friend. (2-57-10)
O Bhārata, even if one hastily rushes towards blazing fire after kindling it, he would not obtain even ashes as a remnant anywhere. (2-57-11)
Do not let an enemy, a hater, especially a starving person, stay with you. O Vidura, go wherever you wish; even a well-appeased unfaithful woman will abandon her husband. (2-57-12)
Vidura said.
By such means, those who forsake a person—tell them that friendship is perishable, O king. The minds of kings are indeed agitated; after offering appeasement, they strike with clubs. (2-57-13)
You consider yourself not a child, O prince, and think that I am a child, O very dull-witted one. But he who, after establishing someone in friendship, later blames him—he is truly a child. (2-57-14)
A dull-witted person is not led to good; just as a woman corrupted in the house of a learned Brahmin. Surely, it would not be pleasing to the best of the Bharatas, just as a sixty-year-old husband would not please a young girl. (2-57-15)
If you wish for what is unpleasant, O king, then in all matters, whether beneficial or harmful, consult women, the dull, the crippled, and such fools as these. (2-57-16)
It is easy to find a man who speaks pleasing words even to an opponent; but it is rare to find both a speaker and a listener for words that are unpleasant yet beneficial. (2-57-17)
But he who, in matters of righteousness, forsakes the side of another and tells his master what is unpleasant yet beneficial, such a king has true helpers. (2-57-18)
O great king, anger is not born of disease, it is pungent, sharp, hot, steals away fame, is harsh and foul-smelling; it is the drink of the good, which the wicked do not partake. Therefore, O king, drink down your anger and pacify it. (2-57-19)
I always desire the fame and wealth of Vichitravirya along with my son. May it be so for you as well; may salutations and blessings be upon you. May the Brāhmaṇas also bestow well-being upon me. (2-57-20)
A wise person should not be angered even by the poison of a snake or the poison in the eye. Thus, O delight of the Kurus, I tell you this with care. (2-57-21)
