03.005
Pancharatra: Dhritarastra’s enquiry to Vidura on how to safeguard themselves from citizens. Vidura departs.
Vaiśampāyana said.
When the Pāṇḍavas had entered the forest, the son of Ambikā, King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, tormented and wise, spoke to Vidura, the righteous and profoundly intelligent, while seated comfortably. (3-5-1)
Your wisdom is as pure as that of Bhārgava; you know the supreme and subtle dharma. You are impartial and respected among the Kauravas; therefore, speak what is wholesome for them and for me. (3-5-2)
Thus, Vidura, in this situation, what should be done today? How might these citizens associate with us? Even if they could not uplift us completely, I do not wish for those who are perishing. (3-5-3)
Vidura said.
O king, the threefold aim of life is rooted in dharma; it is said that this kingdom too is founded on dharma. Therefore, abiding in dharma and by your own strength, protect all your sons and the sons of Kunti. (3-5-4)
Righteousness was indeed violated in the assembly by evil-minded men led by the chief among the sons of Subala; having summoned the son of Kunti to the game of dice, your son defeated the truthful Yudhishthira. (3-5-5)
O king, regarding this wrongful act of yours, I see a way for what remains; so that your son, O Kauravya, may be freed from sin and stand as a virtuous person in the world. (3-5-6)
Let all that, O king, which you have completely relinquished, be obtained by the sons of Pāṇḍu. This is the highest duty: a king should be content with what is his own and should not covet the possessions of others. (3-5-7)
This is your most important duty; the satisfaction of those people and the disrespect of Śakuni. Thus, if the rest is among your sons, O king, do this quickly. (3-5-8)
Therefore, O king, if you do not act in this way, the destruction of the Kurus is certain. For neither the enraged Bhīmasena nor Arjuna would spare any of the enemies in the army. (3-5-9)
For those whose warrior is Savyasācī (Arjuna), master of weapons, whose bow is Gāṇḍīva, the essence of the worlds, and for whom Bhīma, the strong-armed, is also a warrior—for such as them, what in this world could possibly be unattainable? (3-5-10)
I told you before, when your son was just born, what was beneficial for you at that time: 'Abandon the son who is not beneficial to the family.' But, O king, you did not act according to the truth. Now again I tell you what is beneficial; if you do not act, O king, you will regret it later. (3-5-11)
If this is so and your son agrees, being pleased with the Pāṇḍavas for a united kingdom, you will not suffer any affliction due to the bond of affection; but if you do not accept your son with his allies, then another will arise, and having subdued him, appoint the son of Pāṇḍu as sovereign. (3-5-12)
O king, let the one whose enemies are not born and who is free from passion rule this earth by righteousness. Then, O king, let all the other kings attend to us at once, just as merchants do. (3-5-13)
Duryodhana, Śakuni, and Karna, with affection, O king, should serve the sons of Pāṇḍu. Let Duḥśāsana request Bhīmasena and also the daughter of Drupada in the midst of the assembly. (3-5-14)
Conciliate Yudhishthira completely; honor him and establish him in the kingdom. What else should I say, having been asked by you? Having done this, you will have fulfilled your duty, O king. (3-5-15)
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said.
O Vidura, this statement which was spoken to you here in the assembly, having reached the Pāṇḍavas and me, is beneficial for them but not for my people; all this does not enter my mind. (3-5-16)
But now, how has this decision come about? What you have said for the sake of the Pāṇḍavas—by that, today I think you are not beneficial to me. How indeed could I abandon my son for the sake of the Pāṇḍavas? (3-5-17)
Without doubt, they too are truly my sons; but Duryodhana is born from my own body. Who, considering fairness, would say that one should give up one's own body for the sake of another? (3-5-18)
You have not spoken anything crooked to me, Vidura; I bear even more respect for you. Do as you wish—go or stay. Even when well-appeased, an unfaithful woman abandons (her husband). (3-5-19)
Vaiśampāyana said.
After saying this, Dhritarashtra followed; having suddenly risen, O king, to Dantav's house. Then Vidura, saying "This is not so," ran away to where the Pandavas were. (3-5-20)
