Shloka 10
Vidura Leaves Hastināpura and Meets Uddhava
Vidura’s Tīrtha-yātrā Begins
यदोपहूतो भवनं प्रविष्टो मन्त्राय पृष्ट: किल पूर्वजेन । अथाह तन्मन्त्रदृशां वरीयान् यन्मन्त्रिणो वैदुरिकं वदन्ति ॥ १० ॥
yadopahūto bhavanaṁ praviṣṭo mantrāya pṛṣṭaḥ kila pūrvajena athāha tan mantra-dṛśāṁ varīyān yan mantriṇo vaidurikaṁ vadanti
When Vidura was summoned by his elder brother Dhṛtarāṣṭra for counsel, he entered the house and, questioned by the senior, spoke advice exact and to the point. Vidura’s instructions are renowned and are approved by expert ministers of state.
Political suggestions by Vidura are known as expert, just as, in modern times, Paṇḍita Cāṇakya is considered the authority in good counsel in both political and moral instructions.
FAQs
This verse praises the ideal of dharmic counsel: a truly wise person, when asked, speaks clear and faultless advice that even seasoned ministers recognize as excellent.
As the elder of the Kuru house, Dhritarashtra summons Vidura to the palace and questions him, seeking guidance—setting the stage for Vidura’s truthful, corrective instruction.
When asked for advice, speak with clarity, integrity, and the other person’s long-term welfare in mind—even if the truth is uncomfortable.