Shloka 39
Ārjava, Satya, and the Virocana–Sudhanvan Exemplum
Udyoga-parva 35
चलचित्तस्य वै पुंसो वृद्धाननुपसेवत: । पारिप्लवमतेर्नित्यमप्चुवो मित्रसंग्रह:,जिसका चित्त चंचल है, जो वृद्धोंकी सेवा नहीं करता, उस अनिश्चितमति पुरुषके लिये मित्रोंका संग्रह स्थायी नहीं होता
calacittasya vai puṁso vṛddhān anupasevataḥ | pāriplavamater nityam apy uvo mitrasaṅgrahaḥ ||
Vidura ensina: Aquele cuja mente é volúvel e que não serve nem aprende com os anciãos não consegue manter amizades firmes. Para quem tem juízo vacilante, até formar e conservar aliados e amigos permanece instável e pouco confiável.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Stability of mind and reverence for elders are prerequisites for stable relationships. A wavering, undisciplined person who ignores elder guidance cannot reliably form or sustain friendships and alliances.
In Vidura’s counsel during the Udyoga Parva, he offers ethical and practical guidance (nīti) about character and conduct. Here he warns that fickleness and neglect of elder counsel undermine one’s social bonds, especially friendships and alliances.