Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
आयत्यां प्रतिकारज्ञस्तदात्वे दृढनिश्चय: । अतीते कार्यशेषज्ञो नरो्र्थनन प्रहीयते
āyatyāṁ pratikārajñas tadātve dṛḍhaniścayaḥ | atīte kāryaśeṣajño naro 'rthena na prahīyate ||
Wer weiß, wie künftige Bedrängnisse abzuwenden sind, wer im Vollzug dessen, was in der Gegenwart zu tun ist, fest und entschlossen bleibt, und wer zudem erkennt, welche Pflichten aus der Vergangenheit noch unerledigt sind—ein solcher Mensch wird niemals der Wohlfahrt und des praktischen Gelingens beraubt.
विदुर उवाच
Vidura teaches integrated practical wisdom: anticipate and prevent future harm, act decisively in the present, and clear past unfinished duties. Such balanced vigilance and responsibility sustains one’s artha (well-being and resources).
In Vidura’s counsel during the Udyoga Parva, he offers Nīti-oriented guidance on governance and personal conduct, emphasizing foresight, timely action, and accountability as foundations for enduring prosperity.