Shloka 28
हंस–साध्यसंवादः, वाक्-निग्रहः, महाकुल-लक्षणम्, शान्ति-उपायः
Hamsa–Sādhya Dialogue; Restraint of Speech; Marks of Noble Lineage; Means to Peace
अहंकाररहित, कायरताशून्य, शीघ्र काम पूरा करनेवाला, दयालु, शुद्धहृदय, दूसरोंके बहकावेमें न आनेवाला, नीरोग और उदार वचनवाला--इन आठ गुणोंसे युक्त मनुष्यको “दूत” बनानेयोग्य बताया गया है ।। न विश्वासाज्जातु परस्य गेहे गच्छेन्नरश्षेतयानो विकाले । न चत्वरे निशि तिषेन्निगूढो न राजकाम्यां योषितं प्रार्थयीत,सावधान मनुष्य विश्वास करके असमयमें कभी किसी दूसरेके घर न जाय, रातमें छिपकर चौराहेपर न खड़ा हो और राजा जिस स्त्रीको चाहता हो, उसे प्राप्त करनेका यत्न न करे
ahaṅkāra-rahitaḥ, kāyaratā-śūnyaḥ, śīghraṁ kāryaṁ pūrayitā, dayāluḥ, śuddha-hṛdayaḥ, anyeṣāṁ bahakāve na āgacchan (ananuvartanīyaḥ), nīrogaḥ, udāra-vacanavān—ebhir aṣṭabhir guṇaiḥ yukto manuṣyo “dūtaḥ” kartum yogya iti kathitaḥ. na viśvāsāj jātu parasya gehe gacchen naraḥ śetayāno vikāle; na catvare niśi tiṣṭhen nigūḍhaḥ; na rāja-kāmyāṁ yoṣitaṁ prārthayīta.
Vidura says: A man fit to be appointed as an envoy should possess eight qualities—freedom from pride, absence of cowardice, prompt completion of tasks, compassion, purity of heart, resistance to being led astray by others, good health, and generous, well-chosen speech. Further, even when trusting someone, he should never go to another’s house at an improper time; he should not stand concealed at a crossroads at night; and he should not seek a woman desired by the king. These restraints protect the messenger’s integrity, safety, and the dignity of the royal mission.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura defines the ideal royal envoy: he must be virtuous (humble, brave, compassionate, pure, not easily manipulated, healthy, and eloquent) and must avoid suspicious or compromising behavior—untimely visits, secret nighttime loitering, and pursuing women connected to the king—so that the mission remains trustworthy and free from scandal.
In Udyoga Parva, as negotiations and preparations around the coming conflict intensify, Vidura offers counsel on political and ethical conduct. Here he outlines qualifications and prohibitions for a dūta, emphasizing both personal virtues and practical safeguards that preserve the credibility of royal communication.