Shloka 3
Vyāsa’s Counsel to Dhṛtarāṣṭra on Restraining Duryodhana (व्यास-धृतराष्ट्र-उपदेशः)
परित्यक्तुंन शक्नोमि दुर्योधनमचेतनम् । पुत्रस्नेहेन भगवन् जानन्नपि प्रियव्रत,भगवन! प्रियव्रत! मैं यह जानता हूँ कि दुर्योधन अविवेकी है, तो भी पुत्रस्नेहके कारण मैं उसका त्याग नहीं कर सकता
parityaktuṁ na śaknomi duryodhanam acetanaṁ | putrasnehena bhagavan jānann api priyavrata ||
Dhṛtarāṣṭra admits that, although he knows Duryodhana is foolish and lacking discernment, he cannot bring himself to abandon him. Overpowered by paternal affection, he confesses his inability to choose what is right over what is dear—revealing the ethical weakness that fuels the unfolding conflict.
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how attachment (putra-sneha) can overpower discernment and dharma: even when one knows a course is wrong, emotional bonds can prevent decisive ethical action—especially dangerous for a king whose choices affect many.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra speaks to a revered interlocutor, confessing that he recognizes Duryodhana’s lack of wisdom yet cannot renounce him. This confession frames the larger tragedy: the elder’s partiality enables Duryodhana’s harmful path.