Shloka 24
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
निश्चित्य यः प्रक्रमते नानतर्वसति कर्मण: । अवन्ध्यकालो वश्यात्मा स वै पण्डित उच्यते
niścitya yaḥ prakramate nāntarvasati karmaṇaḥ | avandhyakālo vaśyātmā sa vai paṇḍita ucyate ||
Vidura says: The truly wise person is one who first forms a clear resolve and then begins his work; who does not falter or stop midway in the task; who does not let time be wasted in vain; and who keeps his own mind and self under control. Such steadiness of purpose and self-mastery is the mark of a paṇḍita.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Wisdom is shown by disciplined action: decide clearly before starting, persist without wavering, do not waste time, and maintain self-mastery. These traits together define a paṇḍita in Vidura’s ethical teaching.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura delivers counsel on conduct and statecraft during the tense pre-war negotiations. Here he characterizes the ‘wise person’ through practical virtues—resolve, perseverance, valuing time, and control of the mind—meant to guide leaders and individuals amid crisis.