03.006
Pancharatra: Vidura comes to Pandavas and gives his advice.
Vaiśampāyana said.
But the sons of Pāṇḍu, the best among the Bharatas, having set their residence in the forest as their aim, departed from the bank of the Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā) to Kurukṣetra along with their followers. (3-6-1)
Having visited the Sarasvatī, Dṛṣadvatī, and Yamunā rivers, they continually journeyed through the forest towards the west. (3-6-2)
Then, on the banks of the Sarasvatī, in the level sandy deserts, they saw the Kāmyaka forest, beloved of the sages. (3-6-3)
There, O Bhārata, the heroes dwelt in the forest abounding in many animals and birds, accompanied and consoled by sages. (3-6-4)
However, Vidura, also longing to see the Pāṇḍavas, then went by a single chariot to the prosperous Kāmyaka forest. (3-6-5)
Then Vidura, having traveled to the forest quickly by chariot drawn by swift horses, saw Dharmarāja sitting in a secluded place together with Draupadī, his brothers, and Brāhmaṇas. (3-6-6)
Then the truthful king saw Vidura quickly approaching from afar. He said to his brother Bhīmasena, "What do you think the minister will say to us when he arrives?" (3-6-7)
Is it not so that, at the word of Saubala, he comes when summoned for the game? Will the mean Shakuni again defeat us, not with weapons, but in the dice-game? (3-6-8)
If someone summoned me to flee, I am not able to escape from Bhīmasena. If there is any doubt about Gāṇḍīva, then our attainment of the kingdom may be in doubt. (3-6-9)
Then, the sons of Pandu all rose and received Vidura, O king. Honored by them, the descendant of Ajamīḍha (Vidura) met the sons of Pandu in the proper manner. (3-6-10)
After Vidura was completely reassured, those foremost among men asked him the reason for his arrival. He then explained to them in detail all that had happened concerning Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika. (3-6-11)
Vidura said.
Dhritarashtra, having protected me, O you whose enemies are born with you, embraced and honored me and spoke to me. Thus, when this had happened and equanimity was attained, tell what is beneficial for both them and me. (3-6-12)
Even what I have spoken, which is proper for the Kauravas, beneficial and wholesome for Dhritarashtra, that wholesome advice his mind does not accept; therefore, I do not consider anything else as proper. (3-6-13)
I spoke of the highest good to the sons of Pāṇḍu, but Ambikeya, though he heard it, did not accept it. Just as wholesome food does not appeal to a sick man, so too, what was being said did not please him. (3-6-14)
O Ajātaśatru, this does not lead to good; just as a woman corrupted in the house of a learned Brāhmaṇa, or a husband sixty years old for a young maiden, is not pleasing, so too is one who speaks without care, O bull among the Bharatas. (3-6-15)
O king, the destruction of the Kauravas is certain; Dhritarashtra will not attain any good. Just as water does not stay on a lotus leaf, so too does wholesome advice not remain here. (3-6-16)
Then, in anger, Dhritarashtra said to me: "Go where there is faith, O Bhārata. I no longer wish for your help in protecting this earth or the city." (3-6-17)
O king, I, who have been abandoned by Dhṛtarāṣṭra, have come to you in haste to instruct you. Therefore, whatever I have spoken in the assembly, let that be borne in mind, for I shall declare it again. (3-6-18)
He who, though beset by severe hardships from rivals, practices forbearance and waits for the right time, gradually increasing his strength like a small fire, being self-controlled—he alone truly enjoys the earth. (3-6-19)
O king, whose wealth is undivided with his companions, his companions share even in his distress. This is the means of gathering companions; the acquisition of companions is said to be the acquisition of the earth. (3-6-20)
O Pāṇḍava, truthfulness, excellence, and absence of idle talk; equal food shared together with companions. The leader does not place himself ahead of them; the king's conduct becomes divine. (3-6-21)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
I will act exactly as you instruct; with utmost care and after consulting the highest wisdom. Whatever else is appropriate to the place and time, that too I will say and do in full. (3-6-22)
