Shloka 21
कर्मणा5<चरितं पूर्व सद्धिराचरितं च यत् । तदेवास्थाय मोदन्ते दान्ता: शमपरायणा:,जो कर्तव्य कर्मोंद्वारा आचरित है तथा पहलेके साधुपुरुषोंके द्वारा जिसका आचरण किया गया है, उसे अपनाकर शम-दमसे सम्पन्न पुरुष सदा आनन्दमग्न रहते हैं
karmaṇācaritaṃ pūrvaṃ sadbhir ācaritaṃ ca yat | tad evāsthāya modante dāntāḥ śamaparāyaṇāḥ ||
Vidura says: Those who are self-restrained and devoted to inner calm rejoice by taking their stand on that very course of action which is to be performed as one’s duty, and which has also been practiced from earlier times by the righteous. Happiness follows disciplined adherence to time-tested dharma, not impulsive or self-serving conduct.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
True joy comes from adopting dharma as expressed in rightful action—duty performed in the way established by virtuous predecessors—supported by self-restraint (dama) and inner tranquility (śama).
In the Udyoga Parva’s counsel-setting, Vidura speaks on ethical conduct, emphasizing that disciplined people find happiness by following the proven path of righteous action rather than deviating into passion-driven choices.