Shloka 24
Vyāsa’s Inquiry into Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Tapas and the Identification of Vidura with Dharma
काम गच्छन्तु मे सर्वे भ्रातरो$नुचरास्तथा । भवन्तमहमन्विष्ये मातरौ च यतव्रत:,“मेरे ये सब भाई और सेवक इच्छा हो तो चले जाया; किंतु मैं नियम और व्रतका पालन करता हुआ आपकी तथा इन दोनों माताओंकी सेवा करूँगा
kāmaṁ gacchantu me sarve bhrātaro'nucarās tathā | bhavantam aham anviṣye mātarau ca yatavrataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Let all my brothers and attendants go wherever they wish. But I, observing my vows and discipline, will remain devoted to serving you, and also these two mothers.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as disciplined service: even if others choose their own path, one who is yatavrata (vow-observant) prioritizes duty to elders and mothers, embodying restraint, loyalty, and ethical steadfastness.
A speaker declares that brothers and attendants may depart as they like, but he himself will remain committed—under vows and self-restraint—to accompany and serve the addressed elder and the two mothers, emphasizing responsibility during a time of withdrawal and transition.