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 ||
Видура учит: человек с непостоянным умом, не служащий и не учащийся у старших, не удержит дружбы в твёрдости. Для того, чьё суждение колеблется, и приобретение, и сохранение союзников и друзей остаётся неустойчивым и ненадёжным.
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.