Shloka 3
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापर: । मन्त्रमूलबलेनान्यो य: प्रिय: प्रिय एव सः
priyo bhavati dānena priyavādena cāparaḥ | mantramūlabalenānyo yaḥ priyaḥ priya eva saḥ ||
Vidura sagt: Der eine wird durch Gaben liebgewonnen, der andere durch freundliche Worte, ein dritter durch eine Kraft, die in Mantras und Heilmitteln wurzelt. Doch wer wahrhaft lieb ist, der ist es zu allen Zeiten—seine Zuneigung hängt nicht von solchen Mitteln ab.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura distinguishes between affection gained by external means—gifts, flattering speech, or ritual/medical influence—and genuine affection that is steady and unconditional. The verse urges discernment: do not mistake purchased or induced goodwill for true loyalty.
In the Udyoga Parva, as tensions rise toward war, Vidura offers moral counsel (nīti) to guide conduct and judgment. Here he reflects on how people become 'dear' for different reasons, warning that only innate, steadfast goodwill is reliable in critical times.