Shloka 39
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
न वै श्रुतमविज्ञाय वृद्धाननुपसेव्य वा । धर्मार्थी वेदितुं शक्यौ बृहस्पतिसमैरपि,बृहस्पतिके समान मनुष्य भी शास्त्रज्ञान अथवा वृद्धोंकी सेवा किये बिना धर्म और अर्थका ज्ञान नहीं प्राप्त कर सकते इति श्रीमहा भारते उद्योगपर्वणि प्रजागरपर्वणि विदुरवाक्ये एकोनचत्वारिंशो5ध्याय:
na vai śrutam avijñāya vṛddhān anupasevya vā | dharmārthī vedituṁ śakyau bṛhaspati-samair api ||
Видура говорит: не уразумев прежде услышанное (из писаний и наставлений) и не служа с почтением старшим, не учась у них, даже равные Брихаспати (Bṛhaspati) не смогут поистине познать Дхарму и Артху. Стремление к праведности и к практической пользе требует дисциплинированного учения и смиренного ученичества, а не одной лишь сообразительности или славы.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
True knowledge of dharma and artha arises from two foundations: (1) correctly understanding received teaching (śruta) rather than merely hearing it, and (2) humble service and close learning from elders. Mere brilliance is insufficient without comprehension and disciplined mentorship.
In the Udyoga Parva’s Prajāgara section, Vidura offers moral and political counsel. Here he emphasizes that right conduct and sound policy depend on properly assimilated learning and reverence toward experienced elders, setting a standard for how rulers and seekers should learn.