Shloka 70
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
अष्टौ तान्यव्रतघ्नानि आपो मूल फलं पय: । हविर्त्राह्मणकाम्या च गुरोरवचनमौषधम्,जल, मूल, फल, दूध, घी, ब्राह्मणकी इच्छापूर्ति, गुरुका वचन और औषध--ये आठ व्रतके नाशक नहीं होते
aṣṭau tāny avrataghnāni āpo mūla-phalaṁ payaḥ | havir brāhmaṇa-kāmyā ca guror vacanam auṣadham ||
Vidura said: “These eight do not destroy a religious vow (vrata): water, roots, fruits, milk, clarified butter (ghī) offered as oblation (havis), fulfilling what a brāhmaṇa rightly desires, obedience to the guru’s instruction, and medicine. Even under strict discipline, these are permitted supports that preserve life and uphold dharma rather than break it.”
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura teaches that dharma is not harmed by life-sustaining and duty-supporting allowances during a vow: simple foods like water, roots, fruits, milk, sacrificial ghee, fulfilling a brāhmaṇa’s rightful request, obeying the guru, and taking medicine. The principle is that vows serve righteousness and self-control, not self-destruction.
In Vidura’s counsel (nīti) within the Udyoga Parva, he lays down practical ethical guidance for disciplined living. Here he lists specific exceptions—things permitted without ‘breaking’ a vow—framing restraint as compatible with compassion, duty, and preservation of health.