Shloka 39
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
न वै श्रुतमविज्ञाय वृद्धाननुपसेव्य वा । धर्मार्थी वेदितुं शक्यौ बृहस्पतिसमैरपि
na vai śrutam avijñāya vṛddhān anupasevya vā | dharmārthī vedituṁ śakyau bṛhaspati-samair api ||
Vidura says: Without first understanding what has been heard—from scripture and instruction—or without respectfully serving and learning from elders, even those equal to Bṛhaspati cannot truly come to know Dharma and Artha. The pursuit of righteousness and practical welfare requires disciplined learning and humble apprenticeship, not mere intelligence or reputation.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
True knowledge of dharma and artha arises from two foundations: (1) correctly understanding received teaching (śruta) rather than merely hearing it, and (2) humble service and close learning from elders. Mere brilliance is insufficient without comprehension and disciplined mentorship.
In the Udyoga Parva’s Prajāgara section, Vidura offers moral and political counsel. Here he emphasizes that right conduct and sound policy depend on properly assimilated learning and reverence toward experienced elders, setting a standard for how rulers and seekers should learn.