Shloka 14
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 130: Kuntī’s Instruction on Rājadharma and Daṇḍanīti
न्यमीलयन्त नेत्राणि राजानस्त्रस्तचेतस: । ऋते द्रोणं च भीष्मं च विदुरं च महामतिम्
vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca |
nyamīlayanta netrāṇi rājānas trastacetasaḥ |
ṛte droṇaṃ ca bhīṣmaṃ ca viduraṃ ca mahāmatim ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The kings, their minds shaken with fear, closed their eyes—except for Droṇa, Bhīṣma, and the great-minded Vidura. Confronted with the awe-inspiring, formidable manifestation of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, most could not bear the vision; only those granted steadiness and divine capacity were able to keep their gaze upon him. The scene underscores how spiritual power and moral clarity, not mere royal status, determine who can face truth without flinching.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Awe before the divine exposes inner preparedness: worldly power does not guarantee the capacity to face higher truth. Those grounded in discernment and dharma (exemplified by Vidura, and the venerable elders) can endure what overwhelms others, suggesting that moral and spiritual fitness determines one’s ability to witness reality without fear.
During a moment of overwhelming divine manifestation associated with Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the assembled kings become terrified and shut their eyes. Only Droṇa, Bhīṣma, and Vidura are singled out as exceptions in this verse, indicating they remain able to look on while others recoil.