Shloka 106
Adhyaya 32: Saṃjaya’s Return, Audience with Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and Ethical Admonition
सुदुर्बल॑ नावजानाति कंचिद् युक्तो रिपुं सेवते बुद्धिपूर्वम् । न विग्रहं रोचयते बलस्थै: काले च यो विक्रमते स धीर:
sudurbalo nāvajānāti kañcid yukto ripuṁ sevate buddhipūrvam | na vigrahaṁ rocayate balasthaiḥ kāle ca yo vikramate sa dhīraḥ ||
Orang yang teguh tidak meremehkan siapa pun karena lemah. Dengan waspada dan menguasai diri, ia menghadapi musuh dengan kecerdasan yang terukur. Ia tidak menyukai pertikaian dengan mereka yang kuat; namun ketika saatnya tiba, ia menampakkan keberanian—dialah dhīra.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Strength is not a license for contempt. A dhīra combines humility toward the weak, intelligent and cautious engagement with enemies, avoidance of needless clashes with the powerful, and decisive courage when the proper time demands action.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura offers counsel on conduct and policy amid rising tensions before the great war. This verse defines the qualities of a truly steady and wise person—one fit for difficult political and ethical circumstances.