Shloka 7
तं भुक्तवन्तं विश्रान्तमासीनं सुखमासने । प्रश्रयावनतो राजा प्राह तेषां च शृण्वताम् ॥ ७ ॥
taṁ bhuktavantaṁ viśrāntam āsīnaṁ sukham āsane praśrayāvanato rājā prāha teṣāṁ ca śṛṇvatām
After Vidura had eaten well, rested sufficiently, and was seated comfortably, the King, bowing with deference—while all present listened—began to speak to him.
King Yudhiṣṭhira was expert in reception also, even in the case of his family members. Vidura was well received by all the family members by exchange of embraces and obeisances. After that, bathing and arrangements for a sumptuous dinner were made, and then he was given sufficient rest. After finishing his rest, he was offered a comfortable place to sit, and then the King began to talk about all happenings, both family and otherwise. That is the proper way to receive a beloved friend, or even an enemy. According to Indian moral codes, even an enemy received at home should be so well received that he will not feel any fearful situation. An enemy is always afraid of his enemy, but this should not be so when he is received at home by his enemy. This means that a person, when received at home, should be treated as a relative, so what to speak of a family member like Vidura, who was a well-wisher for all the members of the family. Thus Yudhiṣṭhira Mahārāja began to speak in the presence of all the other members.
FAQs
This verse highlights that even a king should first bow with respect and speak only after the other person is comfortable—showing humility as a key mark of dharma.
The narrative shows proper etiquette and compassion: Yudhiṣṭhira waited until the person was at ease, then addressed important matters in a respectful atmosphere.
Before asking questions or raising serious topics, ensure the other person is comfortable, listen-first, and speak with humility—especially with teachers, elders, and guests.