Shloka 60
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
यत् सुखं सेवमानो5पि धर्मार्थाभ्यां न हीयते । काम तदुपसेवेत न मूढव्रतमाचरेत्
yat sukhaṁ sevamāno 'pi dharmārthābhyāṁ na hīyate | kāma tad upaseveta na mūḍhavratam ācaret ||
Vidura advises that a person may freely enjoy that kind of pleasure which, even when pursued, does not diminish dharma (righteous conduct) or artha (legitimate prosperity). But one should not adopt a foolish regimen—such as indulgence in sleep, negligence, and heedlessness—that undermines self-control and duty.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Enjoy pleasures that do not erode dharma and artha; avoid misguided habits (like sloth, negligence, and heedlessness) that weaken discipline and duty.
In Vidura’s counsel during the Udyoga Parva, he lays down a practical ethical rule for living: permissible enjoyment is that which remains compatible with righteousness and responsible prosperity, while destructive indulgences are to be rejected.