Shloka 119
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
जो अपने आश्रितजनोंको बाँटकर थोड़ा ही भोजन करता है, बहुत अधिक काम करके भी थोड़ा सोता है तथा माँगनेपर जो मित्र नहीं है, उन्हें भी धन देता है, उस मनस्वी पुरुषको सारे अनर्थ दूरसे ही छोड़ देते हैं ।।
yo 'śritajanān vibhajya svalpam eva bhojanaṁ karoti, bahu karma kṛtvāpi svalpaṁ svapiti, yācite ca yo 'mitrān api dhanaṁ dadāti, taṁ manasvinaṁ puruṣaṁ sarve 'narthā dūrata eva jahati. cikīrṣitaṁ viprakṛtaṁ ca yasya nānye janāḥ karma jānanti kiñcit; mantre gupte samyag anuṣṭhite ca nālpo 'py asya cyavate kṛtyārthaḥ.
Vidura says: The resolute man who shares his food with those dependent on him and eats only a little himself, who sleeps little even after much work, and who—when asked—gives wealth even to those who are not his friends, is left by misfortunes from afar. And the man whose intended actions—whether aligned with his own purpose or contrary to another’s—remain unknown to others, whose counsel is kept secret and whose plan is executed properly, does not have even a small part of his undertaking fail.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Misfortune avoids the disciplined and generous person: one who supports dependents, lives simply, works hard, sleeps little, and gives when asked—even beyond the circle of friends. Success is further secured by keeping counsel confidential and executing plans correctly, so that undertakings are not undermined.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura delivers niti (ethical-political counsel) in the tense pre-war context. Here he describes traits of an effective and protected leader/householder—self-restraint, liberality, and strategic discretion—showing how these qualities keep adversity at bay and prevent plans from failing.