Shloka 3
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापर: । मन्त्रमूलबलेनान्यो य: प्रिय: प्रिय एव सः
priyo bhavati dānena priyavādena cāparaḥ | mantramūlabalenānyo yaḥ priyaḥ priya eva saḥ ||
Vidura says: A person becomes dear through gifts; another becomes dear through pleasant speech; yet another becomes dear through the power rooted in mantras and medicines. But the one who is truly dear is dear at all times—his affection does not depend on such means.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura distinguishes between affection gained by external means—gifts, flattering speech, or ritual/medical influence—and genuine affection that is steady and unconditional. The verse urges discernment: do not mistake purchased or induced goodwill for true loyalty.
In the Udyoga Parva, as tensions rise toward war, Vidura offers moral counsel (nīti) to guide conduct and judgment. Here he reflects on how people become 'dear' for different reasons, warning that only innate, steadfast goodwill is reliable in critical times.