हंस–साध्यसंवादः, वाक्-निग्रहः, महाकुल-लक्षणम्, शान्ति-उपायः
Hamsa–Sādhya Dialogue; Restraint of Speech; Marks of Noble Lineage; Means to Peace
धृतराष्ट उवाच शतायुरुक्त: पुरुष: सर्ववेदेषु वै यदा । नाप्रोत्यथ च तत् सर्वमायु: केनेह हेतुना
dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca | śatāyur uktaḥ puruṣaḥ sarvavedeṣu vai yadā | nāpnoty atha ca tat sarvam āyuḥ keneha hetunā ||
துருதராஷ்டிரன் கூறினான்—விதுரா! எல்லா வேதங்களிலும் மனிதனின் ஆயுள் நூறு ஆண்டுகள் என்று சொல்லப்பட்டிருக்க, இங்கே அவன் ஏன் அந்த முழு ஆயுளை அடைவதில்லை? இதற்குக் காரணம் என்ன?
धृतराष्ट उवाच
The verse frames a dharmic inquiry into the gap between scriptural ideal (a full hundred-year life) and lived reality, inviting reflection on causes such as conduct, self-discipline, and karmic conditions that shorten or sustain life.
In the Udyoga Parva’s counsel-setting, Dhṛtarāṣṭra questions Vidura about human longevity: if the Vedas speak of a hundred-year lifespan, why do people fail to reach it, and what explains premature death.