Shloka 52
Udyoga-parva Adhyāya 34 — Vidura’s Counsel on Deliberation, Speech-Discipline, and Dharmic Kingship
अष्टौ गुणा: पुरुषं दीपयन्ति प्रज्ञा च कौल्यं च दम: श्रुतं च । पराक्रमश्चाबहुभाषिता च दानं यथाशक्ति कृतज्ञता च,आठ गुण पुरुषकी शोभा बढ़ाते हैं--बुद्धि, कुलीनता, दम, शास्त्रज्ञान, पराक्रम, बहुत न बोलना, यथाशक्ति दान देना और कृतज्ञ होना
aṣṭau guṇāḥ puruṣaṃ dīpayanti prajñā ca kaulyaṃ ca damaḥ śrutaṃ ca | parākramaś cābahubhāṣitā ca dānaṃ yathāśakti kṛtajñatā ca ||
Vidura said: Eight qualities make a person shine: discernment, noble lineage and conduct, self-restraint, learning from sacred and authoritative teachings, valor, speaking little, giving according to one’s capacity, and gratitude.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A person’s true radiance comes from cultivated virtues: wisdom, refinement, self-restraint, learning, courage, restrained speech, generosity within one’s means, and gratitude. Together they define ethical excellence beyond mere power or rank.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura offers moral and political counsel during the tense pre-war negotiations. Here he lists the virtues that make an individual—and especially a leader—worthy and respected.