05.039
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
अनीश्वरोऽयं पुरुषो भवाभवे; सूत्रप्रोता दारुमयीव योषा। धात्रा तु दिष्टस्य वशे किलायं; तस्माद्वद त्वं श्रवणे धृतोऽहम् ॥५-३९-१॥
This man is like a puppet, powerless in the cycle of life and death, just like a wooden doll strung on a thread. He is indeed under the control of destiny as ordained by the creator. Therefore, speak, for I am attentive to your words.
विदुर उवाच॥
Vidura spoke:
अप्राप्तकालं वचनं बृहस्पतिरपि ब्रुवन्। लभते बुद्ध्यवज्ञानमवमानं च भारत ॥५-३९-२॥
O Bhārata, even the wise Bṛhaspati, if he speaks at an inappropriate time, faces disregard and disrespect.
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापरः। मन्त्रं मूलबलेनान्यो यः प्रियः प्रिय एव सः ॥५-३९-३॥
One becomes dear by giving and by speaking kind words. Another becomes dear through the strength of mantras and roots. Whoever is dear, he is indeed dear.
द्वेष्यो न साधुर्भवति न मेधावी न पण्डितः। प्रिये शुभानि कर्माणि द्वेष्ये पापानि भारत ॥५-३९-४॥
A person who is hateful does not become virtuous, wise, or scholarly. O Bhārata, dear auspicious actions are found in those who are hateful and sinful.
न स क्षयो महाराज यः क्षयो वृद्धिमावहेत्। क्षयः स त्विह मन्तव्यो यं लब्ध्वा बहु नाशयेत् ॥५-३९-५॥
O great king, not that decline which leads to growth should be considered a decline. Rather, that decline which, once obtained, causes much destruction, should be regarded as such.
समृद्धा गुणतः केचिद्भवन्ति धनतोऽपरे। धनवृद्धान्गुणैर्हीनान्धृतराष्ट्र विवर्जयेत् ॥५-३९-६॥
Some people become prosperous due to their virtues, while others do so because of their wealth. O Dhritarashtra, you should avoid those who are wealthy but lack virtues.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
सर्वं त्वमायतीयुक्तं भाषसे प्राज्ञसंमतम्। न चोत्सहे सुतं त्यक्तुं यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः ॥५-३९-७॥
You express everything with wisdom and foresight, as approved by the wise. However, I cannot abandon my son, for where there is duty, there lies victory.
विदुर उवाच॥
Vidura spoke:
स्वभावगुणसम्पन्नो न जातु विनयान्वितः। सुसूक्ष्ममपि भूतानामुपमर्दं प्रयोक्ष्यते ॥५-३९-८॥
A person endowed with natural qualities, but lacking humility, will never inflict even the slightest harm on beings.
परापवादनिरताः परदुःखोदयेषु च। परस्परविरोधे च यतन्ते सततोत्थिताः ॥५-३९-९॥
They are constantly engaged in slandering others, rejoicing in others' miseries, and are always active in mutual conflicts.
सदोषं दर्शनं येषां संवासे सुमहद्भयम्। अर्थादाने महान्दोषः प्रदाने च महद्भयम् ॥५-३९-१०॥
The company of those whose vision is flawed brings great fear. There is a significant fault in acquiring wealth, and giving also involves great fear.
ये पापा इति विख्याताः संवासे परिगर्हिताः। युक्ताश्चान्यैर्महादोषैर्ये नरास्तान्विवर्जयेत् ॥५-३९-११॥
Those who are known as sinners and are condemned in association with other great faults, such men should be avoided.
निवर्तमाने सौहार्दे प्रीतिर्नीचे प्रणश्यति। या चैव फलनिर्वृत्तिः सौहृदे चैव यत्सुखम् ॥५-३९-१२॥
When friendship ends, affection in the lowly perishes. The result and happiness that come from friendship are indeed significant.
यतते चापवादाय यत्नमारभते क्षये। अल्पेऽप्यपकृते मोहान्न शान्तिमुपगच्छति ॥५-३९-१३॥
He engages in efforts for slander and destruction. Even when causing small harm, due to delusion, he does not find peace.
तादृशैः सङ्गतं नीचैर्नृशंसैरकृतात्मभिः। निशाम्य निपुणं बुद्ध्या विद्वान्दूराद्विवर्जयेत् ॥५-३९-१४॥
A wise person, upon careful observation with intelligence, should keep away from associating with lowly, cruel, and undisciplined individuals, even from a distance.
यो ज्ञातिमनुगृह्णाति दरिद्रं दीनमातुरम्। स पुत्रपशुभिर्वृद्धिं यशश्चाव्ययमश्नुते ॥५-३९-१५॥
He who assists a poor, miserable, and distressed relative will achieve growth, fame, and lasting prosperity with his sons and cattle.
ज्ञातयो वर्धनीयास्तैर्य इच्छन्त्यात्मनः शुभम्। कुलवृद्धिं च राजेन्द्र तस्मात्साधु समाचर ॥५-३९-१६॥
O King, those who desire their own welfare and the growth of their family should foster their relatives. Therefore, act properly.
श्रेयसा योक्ष्यसे राजन्कुर्वाणो ज्ञातिसत्क्रियाम्। विगुणा ह्यपि संरक्ष्या ज्ञातयो भरतर्षभ ॥५-३९-१७॥
O King, by performing the honoring of relatives with excellence, even those who are deficient should indeed be protected, O best of the Bharatas.
किं पुनर्गुणवन्तस्ते त्वत्प्रसादाभिकाङ्क्षिणः। प्रसादं कुरु दीनानां पाण्डवानां विशां पते ॥५-३९-१८॥
What about the virtuous ones who seek your favor? Please show kindness to the suffering Pandavas, O lord of the people.
दीयन्तां ग्रामकाः केचित्तेषां वृत्त्यर्थमीश्वर। एवं लोके यशःप्राप्तो भविष्यसि नराधिप ॥५-३९-१९॥
O lord, grant them some villages for their livelihood. In this way, you will gain fame in the world, O king.
वृद्धेन हि त्वया कार्यं पुत्राणां तात रक्षणम्। मया चापि हितं वाच्यं विद्धि मां त्वद्धितैषिणम् ॥५-३९-२०॥
O dear, it is indeed the elder's and your duty to protect the sons. I too must speak for their welfare. Know that I am desirous of your welfare.
ज्ञातिभिर्विग्रहस्तात न कर्तव्यो भवार्थिना। सुखानि सह भोज्यानि ज्ञातिभिर्भरतर्षभ ॥५-३९-२१॥
Dear one, do not engage in conflict with your relatives if you desire welfare. Happiness is best enjoyed together with family, O best of the Bharatas.
सम्भोजनं सङ्कथनं सम्प्रीतिश्च परस्परम्। ज्ञातिभिः सह कार्याणि न विरोधः कथञ्चन ॥५-३९-२२॥
Sharing meals, engaging in conversation, and having mutual affection with relatives are activities that should never lead to conflict.
ज्ञातयस्तारयन्तीह ज्ञातयो मज्जयन्ति च। सुवृत्तास्तारयन्तीह दुर्वृत्ता मज्जयन्ति च ॥५-३९-२३॥
Here, relatives can either uplift or drown you; well-behaved ones uplift, while ill-behaved ones drown.
सुवृत्तो भव राजेन्द्र पाण्डवान्प्रति मानद। अधर्षणीयः शत्रूणां तैर्वृतस्त्वं भविष्यसि ॥५-३९-२४॥
O King, be well-behaved and respectful towards the Pandavas. You will become invincible to your enemies and will be surrounded by them.
श्रीमन्तं ज्ञातिमासाद्य यो ज्ञातिरवसीदति। दिग्धहस्तं मृग इव स एनस्तस्य विन्दति ॥५-३९-२५॥
When one approaches a prosperous relative, the relative becomes distressed. Just like a deer with smeared hands, he finds himself in trouble.
पश्चादपि नरश्रेष्ठ तव तापो भविष्यति। तान्वा हतान्सुतान्वापि श्रुत्वा तदनुचिन्तय ॥५-३९-२६॥
O best of men, later you will experience grief. Reflect upon it, whether you hear about them or your slain sons.
येन खट्वां समारूढः परितप्येत कर्मणा। आदावेव न तत्कुर्यादध्रुवे जीविते सति ॥५-३९-२७॥
One should not engage in actions that lead to suffering, especially when life is uncertain. It is wise to avoid such actions from the very beginning.
न कश्चिन्नापनयते पुमानन्यत्र भार्गवात्। शेषसम्प्रतिपत्तिस्तु बुद्धिमत्स्वेव तिष्ठति ॥५-३९-२८॥
No one but Bhārgava can remove it; the remaining understanding stays with the wise.
दुर्योधनेन यद्येतत्पापं तेषु पुरा कृतम्। त्वया तत्कुलवृद्धेन प्रत्यानेयं नरेश्वर ॥५-३९-२९॥
O lord of men, if this sin was committed by Duryodhana among them in the past, it is your duty as the elder of that family to counteract it.
तांस्त्वं पदे प्रतिष्ठाप्य लोके विगतकल्मषः। भविष्यसि नरश्रेष्ठ पूजनीयो मनीषिणाम् ॥५-३९-३०॥
By establishing them in their positions, you will become free from sin and be revered by the wise, O best of men.
सुव्याहृतानि धीराणां फलतः प्रविचिन्त्य यः। अध्यवस्यति कार्येषु चिरं यशसि तिष्ठति ॥५-३९-३१॥
He who thoughtfully considers the wise words and their outcomes, and then acts, remains renowned for a long time.
अवृत्तिं विनयो हन्ति हन्त्यनर्थं पराक्रमः। हन्ति नित्यं क्षमा क्रोधमाचारो हन्त्यलक्षणम् ॥५-३९-३२॥
"Humility eradicates lack of discipline, valor eliminates misfortune, forgiveness consistently quells anger, and proper conduct removes inappropriate behavior."
परिच्छदेन क्षेत्रेण वेश्मना परिचर्यया। परीक्षेत कुलं राजन्भोजनाच्छादनेन च ॥५-३९-३३॥
O king, a family should be examined by its retinue, land, house, service, and provisions of food and clothing.
ययोश्चित्तेन वा चित्तं नैभृतं नैभृतेन वा। समेति प्रज्ञया प्रज्ञा तयोर्मैत्री न जीर्यते ॥५-३९-३४॥
The friendship between those whose minds or humility or wisdom meet does not wither.
दुर्बुद्धिमकृतप्रज्ञं छन्नं कूपं तृणैरिव। विवर्जयीत मेधावी तस्मिन्मैत्री प्रणश्यति ॥५-३९-३५॥
A wise person should avoid associating with a foolish and unwise individual, as friendship with such a person is like a well covered with grass, where the friendship eventually perishes.
अवलिप्तेषु मूर्खेषु रौद्रसाहसिकेषु च। तथैवापेतधर्मेषु न मैत्रीमाचरेद्बुधः ॥५-३९-३६॥
A wise person should avoid forming friendships with those who are arrogant, foolish, violent, daring, or lacking in virtue.
कृतज्ञं धार्मिकं सत्यमक्षुद्रं दृढभक्तिकम्। जितेन्द्रियं स्थितं स्थित्यां मित्रमत्यागि चेष्यते ॥५-३९-३७॥
A person who is grateful, righteous, truthful, noble, steadfast in devotion, has conquered the senses, is firm in their position, is a friend, and does not renounce is desired.
इन्द्रियाणामनुत्सर्गो मृत्युना न विशिष्यते। अत्यर्थं पुनरुत्सर्गः सादयेद्दैवतान्यपि ॥५-३९-३८॥
The restraint of the senses is not marked by death; however, excessive indulgence in restraint can even bring down the gods.
मार्दवं सर्वभूतानामनसूया क्षमा धृतिः। आयुष्याणि बुधाः प्राहुर्मित्राणां चाविमानना ॥५-३९-३९॥
The wise declare that gentleness, non-envy, forgiveness, and fortitude towards all beings contribute to longevity and maintaining respect among friends.
अपनीतं सुनीतेन योऽर्थं प्रत्यानिनीषते। मतिमास्थाय सुदृढां तदकापुरुषव्रतम् ॥५-३९-४०॥
The one who, by applying firm intellect, desires to recover wealth taken away through good policy, follows the vow of a coward.
आयत्यां प्रतिकारज्ञस्तदात्वे दृढनिश्चयः। अतीते कार्यशेषज्ञो नरोऽर्थैर्न प्रहीयते ॥५-३९-४१॥
A man who is aware of remedies for the future, firm in his decisions at the present, and knowledgeable about past tasks, does not suffer loss by means.
कर्मणा मनसा वाचा यदभीक्ष्णं निषेवते। तदेवापहरत्येनं तस्मात्कल्याणमाचरेत् ॥५-३९-४२॥
Whatever one frequently engages in by action, mind, and speech, that indeed influences them; therefore, one should engage in auspicious activities.
मङ्गलालम्भनं योगः श्रुतमुत्थानमार्जवम्। भूतिमेतानि कुर्वन्ति सतां चाभीक्ष्णदर्शनम् ॥५-३९-४३॥
Union, learning, effort, and honesty bring about auspiciousness and prosperity, and allow frequent interaction with virtuous people.
अनिर्वेदः श्रियो मूलं दुःखनाशे सुखस्य च। महान्भवत्यनिर्विण्णः सुखं चात्यन्तमश्नुते ॥५-३९-४४॥
Perseverance is the foundation of prosperity, leading to the end of sorrow and the attainment of happiness. The one who remains undepressed becomes great and achieves ultimate happiness.
नातः श्रीमत्तरं किञ्चिदन्यत्पथ्यतमं तथा। प्रभविष्णोर्यथा तात क्षमा सर्वत्र सर्वदा ॥५-३९-४५॥
O dear, there is nothing more glorious or beneficial than this, as the forgiveness of the powerful is always and everywhere present.
क्षमेदशक्तः सर्वस्य शक्तिमान्धर्मकारणात्। अर्थानर्थौ समौ यस्य तस्य नित्यं क्षमा हिता ॥५-३९-४६॥
The powerless should forgive everyone, while the powerful should do so out of duty. For one who sees wealth and misfortune as equal, forgiveness is always beneficial.
यत्सुखं सेवमानोऽपि धर्मार्थाभ्यां न हीयते। कामं तदुपसेवेत न मूढव्रतमाचरेत् ॥५-३९-४७॥
One should pursue desires that do not compromise righteousness and wealth, even while enjoying them; avoid undertaking foolish vows.
दुःखार्तेषु प्रमत्तेषु नास्तिकेष्वलसेषु च। न श्रीर्वसत्यदान्तेषु ये चोत्साहविवर्जिताः ॥५-३९-४८॥
Prosperity does not reside in people who are sorrowful, careless, atheistic, lazy, undisciplined, or lacking in enthusiasm.
आर्जवेन नरं युक्तमार्जवात्सव्यपत्रपम्। अशक्तिमन्तं मन्यन्तो धर्षयन्ति कुबुद्धयः ॥५-३९-४९॥
The evil-minded oppress a man who is endowed with honesty and modesty, considering him to be powerless.
अत्यार्यमतिदातारमतिशूरमतिव्रतम्। प्रज्ञाभिमानिनं चैव श्रीर्भयान्नोपसर्पति ॥५-३९-५०॥
Fortune, out of fear, does not approach a person who is exceedingly noble, generous, brave, disciplined, and proud of their wisdom.
अग्निहोत्रफला वेदाः शीलवृत्तफलं श्रुतम्। रतिपुत्रफला दारा दत्तभुक्तफलं धनम् ॥५-३९-५१॥
The Vedas yield results through fire sacrifices; good conduct and character are shaped by what is learned; wives are the outcome of marital union; wealth comes from what is given and consumed.
अधर्मोपार्जितैरर्थैर्यः करोत्यौर्ध्वदेहिकम्। न स तस्य फलं प्रेत्य भुङ्क्तेऽर्थस्य दुरागमात् ॥५-३९-५२॥
One who conducts funeral rites using wealth gained through unjust means will not reap its benefits after death, as the wealth was obtained through wrongful acquisition.
कान्तारवनदुर्गेषु कृच्छ्रास्वापत्सु सम्भ्रमे। उद्यतेषु च शस्त्रेषु नास्ति शेषवतां भयम् ॥५-३९-५३॥
In the dense forests, amidst the woods and fortresses, during severe difficulties and calamities, and even when weapons are raised, those who remain have no fear.
उत्थानं संयमो दाक्ष्यमप्रमादो धृतिः स्मृतिः। समीक्ष्य च समारम्भो विद्धि मूलं भवस्य तत् ॥५-३९-५४॥
Effort, restraint, skill, vigilance, steadfastness, and memory are essential. Examine and undertake actions with these qualities, for they are the root of existence.
तपो बलं तापसानां ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदां बलम्। हिंसा बलमसाधूनां क्षमा गुणवतां बलम् ॥५-३९-५५॥
For ascetics, austerity is their strength; for those who know Brahman, it is Brahman itself that is their strength. The wicked find strength in violence, while the virtuous find it in forgiveness.
अष्टौ तान्यव्रतघ्नानि आपो मूलं फलं पयः। हविर्ब्राह्मणकाम्या च गुरोर्वचनमौषधम् ॥५-३९-५६॥
There are eight things that do not break vows: water, roots, fruits, milk, offerings, what is desired by Brahmins, the words of a teacher, and medicine.
न तत्परस्य संदध्यात्प्रतिकूलं यदात्मनः। सङ्ग्रहेणैष धर्मः स्यात्कामादन्यः प्रवर्तते ॥५-३९-५७॥
One should not do to others what is undesirable to oneself. In summary, this is the essence of duty; other actions are driven by desire.
अक्रोधेन जयेत्क्रोधमसाधुं साधुना जयेत्। जयेत्कदर्यं दानेन जयेत्सत्येन चानृतम् ॥५-३९-५८॥
One should conquer anger with non-anger, the wicked with the good, the miser with generosity, and falsehood with truth.
स्त्रीधूर्तकेऽलसे भीरौ चण्डे पुरुषमानिनि। चौरे कृतघ्ने विश्वासो न कार्यो न च नास्तिके ॥५-३९-५९॥
One should not trust women, rogues, lazy people, cowards, fierce individuals, arrogant men, thieves, the ungrateful, and atheists.
अभिवादनशीलस्य नित्यं वृद्धोपसेविनः। चत्वारि सम्प्रवर्धन्ते कीर्तिरायुर्यशोबलम् ॥५-३९-६०॥
"One who is respectful and consistently serves the elders will see an increase in four aspects: fame, longevity, reputation, and strength."
अतिक्लेशेन येऽर्थाः स्युर्धर्मस्यातिक्रमेण च। अरेर्वा प्रणिपातेन मा स्म तेषु मनः कृथाः ॥५-३९-६१॥
Avoid engaging your mind in wealth acquired through great difficulty, unrighteous means, or submission to foes.
अविद्यः पुरुषः शोच्यः शोच्यं मिथुनमप्रजम्। निराहाराः प्रजाः शोच्याः शोच्यं राष्ट्रमराजकम् ॥५-३९-६२॥
An ignorant man is pitiable, and so is a childless couple. Subjects without food are to be pitied, as is a kingdom without a ruler.
अध्वा जरा देहवतां पर्वतानां जलं जरा। असम्भोगो जरा स्त्रीणां वाक्षल्यं मनसो जरा ॥५-३९-६३॥
The path leads to the aging of bodies, water erodes mountains. Lack of enjoyment ages women, and harshness ages the mind.
अनाम्नायमला वेदा ब्राह्मणस्याव्रतं मलम्। कौतूहलमला साध्वी विप्रवासमलाः स्त्रियः ॥५-३९-६४॥
The Vedas lose their sanctity without traditional recitation; a Brahmin without observing rituals is considered impure; curiosity taints a virtuous woman; women are considered impure in the absence of their husbands.
सुवर्णस्य मलं रूप्यं रूप्यस्यापि मलं त्रपु। ज्ञेयं त्रपुमलं सीसं सीसस्यापि मलं मलम् ॥५-३९-६५॥
The impurities of metals are sequentially described: gold's impurity is silver, silver's impurity is tin, tin's impurity is lead, and ultimately, the impurity of lead is just impurity itself.
न स्वप्नेन जयेन्निद्रां न कामेन स्त्रियं जयेत्। नेन्धनेन जयेदग्निं न पानेन सुरां जयेत् ॥५-३९-६६॥
One cannot overcome sleep by sleeping, nor a woman by desiring her. Similarly, one cannot extinguish fire by adding fuel, nor overcome intoxication by drinking more.
यस्य दानजितं मित्रममित्रा युधि निर्जिताः। अन्नपानजिता दाराः सफलं तस्य जीवितम् ॥५-३९-६७॥
A person whose friend is won by generosity, who conquers enemies in battle, and whose wife is pleased by food and drink, leads a successful life.
सहस्रिणोऽपि जीवन्ति जीवन्ति शतिनस्तथा। धृतराष्ट्रं विमुञ्चेच्छां न कथञ्चिन्न जीव्यते ॥५-३९-६८॥
Thousands and hundreds live, but one cannot truly live if they do not release their attachment to Dhritarashtra.
यत्पृथिव्यां व्रीहियवं हिरण्यं पशवः स्त्रियः। नालमेकस्य तत्सर्वमिति पश्यन्न मुह्यति ॥५-३९-६९॥
He who sees that all the wealth, grains, gold, animals, and women on earth are not sufficient for one person, does not become deluded.
राजन्भूयो ब्रवीमि त्वां पुत्रेषु सममाचर। समता यदि ते राजन्स्वेषु पाण्डुसुतेषु च ॥५-३९-७०॥
O king, I repeat, treat all your sons equally. If you possess equality, O king, it should be among your own and the sons of Pandu.
