Shloka 31
अष्टौ गुणा: पुरुषं दीपयन्ति प्रज्ञा च कौल्यं च श्रुतं दमश्न । पराक्रमश्चाबहुभाषिता च दानं यथाशक्ति कृतज्ञता च,ये आठ गुण पुरुषकी शोभा बढ़ाते हैं--बुद्धि, कुलीनता, शास्त्रज्ञान, इन्द्रियनिग्रह, पराक्रम, अधिक न बोलनेका स्वभाव, यथाशक्ति दान और कृतज्ञता
aṣṭau guṇāḥ puruṣaṃ dīpayanti prajñā ca kaulyaṃ ca śrutaṃ damaś ca | parākramaś cābahubhāṣitā ca dānaṃ yathāśakti kṛtajñatā ca ||
Vidura teaches that eight qualities make a person shine in society and in the path of dharma: clear intelligence, noble lineage and conduct, learning from sacred tradition, self-control, courageous energy, restraint in speech, generosity according to one’s capacity, and gratitude. These virtues, he implies, are the true ornaments that sustain ethical life amid political tension.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
A person’s true brilliance comes from cultivated virtues—wisdom, noble conduct, learning, self-control, courage, restrained speech, appropriate generosity, and gratitude—rather than from power or status alone.
In Vidura’s counsel during the Udyoga Parva’s tense pre-war diplomacy, he lists the virtues that should guide leaders and individuals, implicitly critiquing reckless pride and urging dharmic character as the basis of policy and conduct.