Shloka 17
कृष्ण-दूतविषये दुर्योधनस्य बन्धन-प्रस्तावः — Duryodhana’s Proposal to Detain Krishna
Envoy-Ethics Debate
पितासि राजन पुत्रास्ते वृद्धस्त्वं शिशव: परे | वर्तस्व पितृवत् तेषु वर्तन्ते ते हि पुत्रवत्
pitāsi rājan putrās te vṛddhas tvaṁ śiśavaḥ pare | vartasva pitṛvat teṣu vartante te hi putravat ||
ヴィドゥラは王に諭した。「大王よ、汝は彼らの父であり、パーンドゥの子らは汝の子である。汝は年長、彼らは幼子のごとし。ゆえに父の慈愛と庇護をもって彼らに接せよ。彼らもまた、子が父に捧げる敬意と忠誠をもって、常に汝に仕えているのだから。」
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
An elder—especially a king who stands in a fatherly position—must act with paternal care, fairness, and restraint toward younger dependents. When the younger party shows filial loyalty, the elder’s dharma is to reciprocate with protection and affection rather than suspicion or hostility.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war negotiations, Vidura counsels King Dhṛtarāṣṭra to treat the Pāṇḍavas as his own sons. He emphasizes the king’s seniority and their respectful attitude, urging a father-like approach to avert escalation and preserve family and kingdom.