Shloka 9
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 40 — Vidura’s Ethical Counsel and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Fatalistic Turn
स चैनं प्रतिजग्राह विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा । सुखोपविष्टं विश्रान्तमथैनं विदुरोडब्रवीत्
sa cainaṁ pratijagrāha vidhidṛṣṭena karmaṇā | sukhopaviṣṭaṁ viśrāntam athainaṁ viduro 'bravīt ||
Et il l’accueillit selon les rites prescrits par la juste coutume. Quand l’hôte se fut assis à son aise et eut repris haleine, Vidura s’adressa alors à lui.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma through atithi-satkāra (honouring a guest): one should first receive a visitor with due rites and respect, and only then proceed to conversation—especially when counsel or serious matters are involved.
A guest is formally welcomed according to prescribed custom; after the guest sits comfortably and rests, Vidura begins to speak, indicating a transition from ritual reception to meaningful dialogue.