Shloka 54

Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule

Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38

Devanagari script

आयत्यां प्रतिकारज्ञस्तदात्वे दृढनिश्चय: । अतीते कार्यशेषज्ञो नरो्र्थनन प्रहीयते

Transliteration

āyatyāṁ pratikārajñas tadātve dṛḍhaniścayaḥ | atīte kāryaśeṣajño naro 'rthena na prahīyate ||

Translation

Тот, кто знает, как отвратить будущие беды, кто твёрд и решителен в исполнении должного в настоящем, и кто также понимает, какие обязанности прошлого ещё не завершены, — такой человек никогда не бывает лишён благополучия и практического успеха.

Word by Word

• आयत्याम्: in the future
• आयत्याम्: Adhikarana
• Type: Noun
• Root: आयति
• Form: Feminine, Locative, Singular

• प्रतिकारज्ञः: knowing the remedy/means of counteraction
• प्रतिकारज्ञः: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: प्रतिकारज्ञ
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• तदात्वे: at the present time
• तदात्वे: Adhikarana
• Type: Noun
• Root: तदात्व
• Form: Neuter, Locative, Singular

• दृढनिश्चयः: firm in resolve
• दृढनिश्चयः: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: दृढनिश्चय
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• अतीते: in the past
• अतीते: Adhikarana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अतीत
• Form: Neuter, Locative, Singular

• कार्यशेषज्ञः: knowing what remains to be done (unfinished duty)
• कार्यशेषज्ञः: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: कार्यशेषज्ञ
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• नरः: a man
• नरः: Karta
• Type: Noun
• Root: नर
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Singular

• अर्थात्: from wealth/means; in respect of resources
• अर्थात्: Apadana
• Type: Noun
• Root: अर्थ
• Form: Masculine, Ablative, Singular

• न: not
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: न

• प्रहीयते: is diminished; falls short; becomes deprived
• Type: Verb
• Root: हाऽ (हा) / प्र-हाऽ
• Form: Present, Atmanepada, Third, Singular, Passive/Impersonal (भावे/कर्मणि प्रयोग)

Speaker

विदुर उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Vidura

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

Vidura teaches integrated practical wisdom: anticipate and prevent future harm, act decisively in the present, and clear past unfinished duties. Such balanced vigilance and responsibility sustains one’s artha (well-being and resources).

What is happening in the narrative?

In Vidura’s counsel during the Udyoga Parva, he offers Nīti-oriented guidance on governance and personal conduct, emphasizing foresight, timely action, and accountability as foundations for enduring prosperity.