Shloka 2
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Dhṛtarāṣṭra on Restraining Duryodhana (व्यास-धृतराष्ट्र-उपदेशः)
नैतद् रोचयते भीष्मो न द्रोणो विदुरो न च । गान्धारी नेच्छति द्यूतं तत्र मोहात् प्रवर्तितम्,भीष्म, द्रोण और विदुरको भी यह द्यूतका आयोजन अच्छा नहीं लगता था। गान्धारी भी नहीं चाहती थी कि जूआ खेला जाय; परंतु मैंने मोहवश सबको जूएमें लगा दिया
Dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca: naitad rocayate Bhīṣmo na Droṇo Viduro na ca | Gāndhārī necchati dyūtaṃ tatra mohāt pravartitam ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: “This did not please Bhīṣma—nor Droṇa, nor Vidura. Gāndhārī too did not wish for the gambling match; yet, driven by delusion, I set that game in motion there.”
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when wise elders and righteous counselors disapprove, a ruler’s delusion (moha) can drive harmful decisions. The verse highlights moral responsibility: knowing an act is wrong yet initiating it leads to grave consequences.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra reflects on the origin of the dice-game: Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Vidura did not approve, and Gāndhārī also opposed it. Despite this, Dhṛtarāṣṭra admits he initiated the gambling due to delusion.