Shloka 17
कृष्ण-दूतविषये दुर्योधनस्य बन्धन-प्रस्तावः — Duryodhana’s Proposal to Detain Krishna
Envoy-Ethics Debate
पितासि राजन पुत्रास्ते वृद्धस्त्वं शिशव: परे | वर्तस्व पितृवत् तेषु वर्तन्ते ते हि पुत्रवत्
pitāsi rājan putrās te vṛddhas tvaṁ śiśavaḥ pare | vartasva pitṛvat teṣu vartante te hi putravat ||
Vidura recordó al rey: «Oh rey, tú eres su padre y los Pāṇḍavas son tus hijos. Tú eres el mayor, y ellos son como niños. Por tanto, compórtate con ellos con el afecto y la protección de un padre; pues ellos, en verdad, se conducen contigo con la reverencia y la lealtad de hijos.»
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
An elder—especially a king who stands in a fatherly position—must act with paternal care, fairness, and restraint toward younger dependents. When the younger party shows filial loyalty, the elder’s dharma is to reciprocate with protection and affection rather than suspicion or hostility.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations, Vidura counsels King Dhṛtarāṣṭra to treat the Pāṇḍavas as his own sons. He emphasizes the king’s seniority and their respectful attitude, urging a father-like approach to avert escalation and preserve family and kingdom.