05.146
Vasudeva said:
After Bhishma had spoken, Drona addressed Duryodhana among the kings, saying, "May you be well, capable of speech."
Pratipa, the father of Śantanu, rose for the family's sake. Similarly, Devavrata, known as Bhishma, stood firm for the family's cause.
Then Pandu, the king of the Kurus, known for his truthfulness and self-control, was righteous, committed to good vows, and well-composed.
The kingdom was given to the wise elder Dhritarashtra and also to the younger Vidura, who was an enhancer of the Kuru dynasty.
Then, O king, the sinless Kaurava placed Acyuta on the throne and went to the forest with his wives.
Vidura, the noble and humble man, serves with dedication, waving a fan like a devoted servant, embodying humility and respect.
Then, O dear, all the subjects followed King Dhritarashtra according to the rules, just as they had followed King Pandu.
Pandu, after giving up the kingdom to Dhritarashtra and Vidura, roamed the whole earth as the conqueror of enemy cities.
Vidura is known for his truthfulness in battle, his skills in managing the treasury, giving, supervising servants, and maintaining everything.
Bhishma, the great and radiant conqueror of enemy cities, observed the acts of service related to the king's diplomacy and warfare.
King Dhritarashtra, powerful and seated on his throne, was continuously counseled by the wise Vidura.
How can you decide on dividing the family when you are born in it? Enjoy the pleasures together with your brothers, O lord of the people.
I declare that I do not act out of miserliness or for the sake of wealth in any way. I consume what has been given by Bhishma, not by you, O noble king.
I do not seek any means of livelihood from you, O king. Wherever Bhishma is, there is Drona. Do what Bhishma has told you.
O dear father, let half of the kingdom be given to the sons of Pandu, O slayer of foes, equally under the guidance of the teacher, always considering both your interests and theirs along with mine.
Ashwatthama is as important to me as Shvetahaya is. Why indulge in much prattle? Where there is dharma, there is victory.
After Droṇa, of immeasurable splendor, had spoken thus, Vidura, who was true to his vow and a knower of dharma, addressed the king, having looked at his father's face and turned around.
Devavrata, understand these words of mine: The Kaurava dynasty, which was destroyed, has been restored by you.
You are ignoring my lamenting words. Who is this Duryodhana, known as the disgrace of this family?
You follow the mind of one who is overcome by greed, ignoble, and ungrateful, whose mind is corrupted by greed. Such a person transgresses the teachings of a father who understands righteousness and purpose.
These Kurus are perishing because of Duryodhana's actions. Therefore, O great king, act in such a way that they do not perish.
O great one, do not destroy me and Dhritarashtra, just as a painter does not destroy a painting after creating it. Just as Prajapati creates and then withdraws creatures, so should you act.
O mighty-armed one, do not ignore the destruction of the family you see. Today, your mind is lost as destruction approaches. Go to the forest with me and Dhritarashtra.
Having captured the deceitful and cunning son of Dhritarashtra, or the very wicked one, let the Pandavas protect this kingdom well today.
Please be kind, O tiger among kings; a great destruction is visible among the Pandavas, the Kauravas, and the kings of immense power.
Vidura, deeply troubled, stopped speaking and repeatedly sighed as he pondered over the situation.
Then, the daughter of King Subala, fearing the destruction of her family and endowed with righteousness, angrily addressed her son Duryodhana, known for his wickedness and cruelty, in the presence of the kings.
Those kings who have entered the royal assembly, along with the sages and other members present, listen as I speak of your offense, committed by the sinful along with their ministers and attendants.
The kingdom of the Kurus is meant to be enjoyed in succession as per our family duty. You, with wicked intentions and extremely cruel actions, should not destroy the kingdom of the Kurus through misconduct.
In the kingdom, wise Dhritarashtra is established, and his younger brother Vidura is far-sighted. Despite this, how can you, Duryodhana, desire kingship today out of delusion?
The king and the minister, both of great stature, may become subservient in the presence of Bhishma. However, this noble soul, known for his understanding of dharma, is not desirous of ruling the kingdom, being the best among men and born of the river.
The kingdom of Pandu is unassailable; today, it is ruled by his sons, not by others. This entire kingdom belongs to the Pandavas, passed down from their ancestors to their sons and grandsons.
Whatever the noble Devavrata, the chief of the Kurus, who is known for his truthfulness and wisdom, declares, it should be accepted by us entirely as our duty, especially by those who are committed to upholding their own responsibilities.
With the permission of the great vow, the king should say exactly what Vidura says. The duty should be assigned to friends, keeping dharma in mind for a long time.
Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, should indeed rule this rightfully obtained kingdom of the Kurus, as urged by King Dhritarashtra and appointed by Santanu's descendant.
