Shloka 52
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
एको धर्म: परं श्रेय: क्षमैका शान्तिरुत्तमा । विद्यैका परमा तृप्तिरहिंसेका सुखावहा,केवल धर्म ही परम कल्याणकारक है, एकमात्र क्षमा ही शान्तिका सर्वश्रेष्ठ उपाय है। एक विद्या ही परम संतोष देनेवाली है और एकमात्र अहिंसा ही सुख देनेवाली है
eko dharmaḥ paraṃ śreyaḥ kṣamaikā śāntir uttamā | vidyaikā paramā tṛptir ahiṃsaikā sukhāvahā ||
Vidura declares that a single principle stands above all for human welfare: dharma is the highest good. Among the means of restoring harmony, forgiveness alone is the finest peace. For inner fulfillment, knowledge alone gives the deepest contentment; and for lasting well-being in society, non-violence alone truly brings happiness.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura compresses ethical life into four supreme guides: uphold dharma as the highest good; practice forgiveness as the best path to peace; pursue knowledge as the deepest source of contentment; and embrace non-violence as the surest bringer of happiness.
In Udyoga Parva, as tensions rise toward war, Vidura offers moral counsel meant to restrain anger and restore order. This verse functions as a concise summary of his niti: principles that can avert conflict and stabilize both personal conduct and political life.