Shloka 27
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
तत्त्वज्ञ: सर्वभूतानां योगज्ञ: सर्वकर्मणाम् । उपायज्ञो मनुष्याणां नर: पण्डित उच्यते,जो सम्पूर्ण भौतिक पदार्थोकी असलियतका ज्ञान रखनेवाला, सब कार्योंके करनेका ढंग जाननेवाला तथा मनुष्योंमें सबसे बढ़कर उपायका जानकार है, वह मनुष्य पण्डित कहलाता है
tattvajñaḥ sarvabhūtānāṃ yogajñaḥ sarvakarmaṇām | upāyajño manuṣyāṇāṃ naraḥ paṇḍita ucyate ||
Vidura says: A person is called truly learned who knows the real nature of all beings, understands the right discipline and method behind every action, and—among humans—knows the most effective means to accomplish what is proper. Such practical wisdom, joined to insight into reality, is what makes one a paṇḍita.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A true paṇḍita combines three competencies: insight into reality (tattva-jñāna), mastery of right method in action (yoga-jñāna), and practical knowledge of effective means (upāya-jñāna). Wisdom is not only theory but also disciplined action and skillful, ethical strategy.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura delivers counsel (nīti) during the tense pre-war negotiations. Here he defines what counts as genuine learning and competence, implicitly urging rulers and courtiers to value truth, disciplined conduct, and prudent means over mere rhetoric or power.