Shloka 18
सुवृत्त: शीलसम्पन्न: प्रसन्नात्मा55त्मविद् बुध: । प्राप्पेह लोके सम्मान सुगतिं प्रेत्य गच्छति,जो सदाचारी, शीलवान, प्रसन्नचित्त तथा आत्मज्ञानी विद्वान् है वह इस जगतमें सम्मान पाकर मृत्युके पश्चात् उत्तम गतिका भागी होता है
suvṛttaḥ śīlasampannaḥ prasannātmā ātmavid budhaḥ | prāpya iha loke sammānaṃ sugatiṃ pretya gacchati ||
Vidura teaches that a person of good conduct and refined character—calm in mind, self-knowing, and truly wise—wins honor in this world; and after death, such a one attains a blessed course of existence.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Ethical conduct (suvṛtta, śīla) joined with inner serenity and self-knowledge (prasannātmā, ātmavit) leads to two fruits: honor in society now and an auspicious destiny after death. Vidura presents virtue and wisdom as inseparable supports of true well-being.
In Udyoga Parva, as the crisis before the Kurukṣetra war intensifies, Vidura speaks counsel (nīti) to guide right action. This verse is part of his moral instruction, praising the qualities of an ideal person whose life aligns with dharma.