Shloka 53
हंस–साध्यसंवादः, वाक्-निग्रहः, महाकुल-लक्षणम्, शान्ति-उपायः
Hamsa–Sādhya Dialogue; Restraint of Speech; Marks of Noble Lineage; Means to Peace
अमात्यलाभो १द्रं ते द्वितीयं बलमुच्यते । तृतीयं धनलाभं॑ तु बलमाहुर्मनीषिण:
amātyalābho 'dyaṁ te dvitīyaṁ balam ucyate | tṛtīyaṁ dhanalābhaṁ tu balam āhur manīṣiṇaḥ ||
Vidura says: “The gaining of capable ministers is, for you, the first form of strength; the second is said to be military power. But the wise declare the third strength to be the acquisition of wealth.”
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura ranks the practical foundations of a stable kingdom: first secure competent and loyal ministers, then maintain force/strength, and also ensure financial resources—because wise governance depends on counsel, capability, and means.
In the Udyoga Parva, Vidura offers political-ethical counsel during the tense pre-war negotiations, outlining what constitutes true ‘strength’ for a ruler and emphasizing that effective administration begins with the right advisers.