Shloka 36
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
मन्त्रभेदस्य षट् प्राज्ञो द्वाराणीमानि लक्षयेत् अर्थसंततिकामश्न रक्षेदेतानि नित्यश:
mantrabhedasya ṣaṭ prājño dvārāṇīmāni lakṣayet | arthasaṃtatīkāmaś ca rakṣed etāni nityaśaḥ ||
Vidura says: A wise man should recognize these six “gateways” through which a secret counsel gets betrayed. Desiring the steady preservation and growth of one’s resources, he should keep them continually shut—intoxication, sleepiness and negligence, ignorance of what must be known, revealing signs through the eyes/face and other bodily expressions, trusting wicked ministers, and placing confidence in an unskilled messenger in matters of action.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Confidential counsel is protected not only by external security but by inner discipline and prudent administration: avoid intoxication and negligent sleep, stay informed about necessary matters, control involuntary facial/ocular expressions that reveal intent, and do not rely on corrupt ministers or incompetent messengers.
In the Udyoga Parva, Vidura instructs the ruler on practical ethics and governance. Here he warns about specific vulnerabilities through which strategic plans and secrets get exposed, emphasizing vigilance and careful selection of trusted agents.