Shloka 19
Akrūra in Hastināpura: Kuntī’s Lament and Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Moral Instruction
अन्यथा त्वाचरँल्लोके गर्हितो यास्यसे तम: । तस्मात् समत्वे वर्तस्व पाण्डवेष्वात्मजेषु च ॥ १९ ॥
anyathā tv ācaraḻ loke garhito yāsyase tamaḥ tasmāt samatve vartasva pāṇḍaveṣv ātmajeṣu ca
Jika tuanku bertindak sebaliknya, orang ramai di dunia ini akan mencela, dan di alam kemudian tuanku akan jatuh ke kegelapan neraka. Maka, bersikaplah sama rata terhadap putera-putera Pāṇḍu dan putera-putera tuanku sendiri.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s whole problem was his excessive attachment to his nasty sons. That was the fatal flaw that caused his downfall. There was no lack of good advice from all sides, and Dhṛtarāṣṭra even admitted that the advice was sound, but he could not follow it. One can have clear, practical intelligence when the mind and heart are pure.
FAQs
This verse teaches samatva—equanimity and equal dealing—urging one to act fairly toward both the Pāṇḍavas and one’s own sons, since partiality leads to public censure and spiritual darkness.
In the context of the Kuru family conflict, Kṛṣṇa warns the blind king that favoritism toward his sons is adharma; he should treat the Pāṇḍavas justly to avoid sinful degradation.
Act with fairness in family and workplace disputes, avoid biased decisions, and uphold dharma even when emotions favor “your side,” since integrity protects one from blame and inner moral decline.