Shloka 21
विदुर-धृतराष्ट्रसंवादः
Vidura–Dhṛtarāṣṭra Dialogue on Rajadharma and Restitution
सत्यं श्रेष्ठ पाण्डव विप्रलापं तुल्यं चान्नं सह भोज्यं सहायै: । आत्मा चैषामग्रतो न सम पूज्य एवंवृत्तिर्वर्धती भूमिपाल:,पाण्डुनन्दन! व्यर्थकी बकवादसे रहित सत्य बोलना ही श्रेष्ठ है। अपने सहायक भाई- बन्धुओंके साथ बैठकर समान अन्नका भोजन करना चाहिये। उन सबके आगे अपनी मान- बड़ाई तथा पूजाकी बातें नहीं करनी चाहिये। ऐसा बर्ताव करनेवाला भूपाल सदा उन्नतिशील होता है
satyaṁ śreṣṭha pāṇḍava vipralāpaṁ tulyaṁ cānnaṁ saha bhojyaṁ sahāyaiḥ | ātmā caiṣām agrato na sama pūjya evaṁvṛttir vardhatī bhūmipālaḥ, pāṇḍunandana |
Vidura advises the Pandava that truthfulness is best, and that empty, deceptive talk should be avoided. A ruler should sit with his helpers and companions and share the same food equally. He should not put himself forward before them, seeking special honor or worship. A king who behaves in this way steadily grows in strength and prosperity, O son of Pandu.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Speak truth and avoid empty or deceptive talk; a ruler should practice equality and humility—sharing the same food with companions and not demanding special honor—because such conduct leads to lasting prosperity.
Vidura is giving ethical counsel to a Pandava, outlining practical standards of royal behavior: truthful speech, egalitarian fellowship with allies, and restraint from self-glorification.