Shloka 37
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
मर्द स्वप्नमविज्ञानमाकारं चात्मसम्भवम् | दुष्टामात्येषु विश्रम्भं दूताच्चाकुशलादपि
madya-svapnam avijñānam ākāraṁ cātma-sambhavam | duṣṭāmātyeṣu viśrambhaṁ dūtāc cākuśalād api ||
Vidura said: A wise man who wishes to safeguard his wealth should keep firmly shut these six gateways through which ruin enters: intoxication, excessive sleep, ignorance of what must be known, self-born distortions of one’s outward demeanor (such as uncontrolled expressions of eyes and face), trust placed in wicked ministers, and reliance even upon an incompetent envoy. In counsel and statecraft, these openings invite the breach of secrets and the collapse of one’s aims.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura teaches that prosperity and security depend on disciplined self-control and prudent governance: avoid intoxicants and sloth, stay informed, restrain revealing mannerisms, and do not place confidence in corrupt advisers or inept envoys—these are openings through which secrets leak and ruin enters.
In the Udyoga Parva’s counsel-setting, Vidura instructs the ruler on practical rājadharma. Here he lists six vulnerabilities that undermine policy and wealth, emphasizing secrecy in counsel and careful selection of ministers and messengers.