Shloka 99
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
अष्टौ गुणा: पुरुषं दीपयन्ति प्रज्ञा च कौल्यं च दम: श्रुतं च । पराक्रमश्चाबहुभाषिता च दानं यथाशक्ति कृतज्ञता च
aṣṭau guṇāḥ puruṣaṃ dīpayanti prajñā ca kaulyaṃ ca damaḥ śrutaṃ ca | parākramaścābahubhāṣitā ca dānaṃ yathāśakti kṛtajñatā ca ||
Vidura says: Eight qualities make a person shine and become renowned—wisdom, noble lineage and conduct, self-control, learning from sacred and authoritative teachings, valor, speaking little (measured speech), giving according to one’s capacity, and gratitude.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A person’s true brilliance and reputation arise from inner discipline and ethical conduct: wisdom, noble character, self-restraint, learning, courage, restrained speech, proportionate generosity, and gratitude.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura offers moral and political counsel amid escalating conflict; here he lists the virtues that should guide leaders and individuals as the kingdom moves toward war.