Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 4
Vidura Leaves Hastināpura and Meets Uddhava
Vidura’s Tīrtha-yātrā Begins
न ह्यल्पार्थोदयस्तस्य विदुरस्यामलात्मन: । तस्मिन् वरीयसि प्रश्न: साधुवादोपबृंहित: ॥ ४ ॥
na hy alpārthodayas tasya vidurasyāmalātmanaḥ tasmin varīyasi praśnaḥ sādhu-vādopabṛṁhitaḥ
วิทุระเป็นผู้มีจิตบริสุทธิ์ คำถามของท่านย่อมไม่ใช่เพื่อประโยชน์เล็กน้อย ดังนั้นคำถามที่ท่านมีต่อฤๅษีเมตเรยะผู้ประเสริฐ จึงลึกซึ้ง สูงส่ง และได้รับการสรรเสริญจากหมู่สาธุชน
Questions and answers among different classes of men have different value. Inquiries by mercantile men in a business exchange cannot be expected to be highly purposeful in spiritual values. Questions and answers by different classes of men can be guessed by the caliber of the persons concerned. In Bhagavad-gītā, the discussion was between Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna, the Supreme Person and the supreme devotee respectively. The Lord admitted Arjuna to be His devotee and friend ( Bg. 4.3 ), and therefore any sane man can guess that the discussion was on the topic of the bhakti-yoga system. Actually the whole Bhagavad-gītā is based on the principle of bhakti-yoga. There is a difference between karma and karma-yoga. Karma is regulated action for the enjoyment of the fruit by the performer, but karma-yoga is action performed by the devotee for the satisfaction of the Lord. Karma-yoga is based on bhakti, or pleasing the Lord, whereas karma is based on pleasing the senses of the performer himself. According to Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, one is advised to approach a bona fide spiritual master when one is actually inclined to question from an elevated level of spiritual understanding. A common man who has no interest in spiritual values has no need to approach a spiritual master just as a matter of following fashion.
FAQs
This verse praises Vidura’s questions as non-trivial and spiritually superior, showing that genuine inquiry arises from a pure heart and aims at truth, not worldly gain.
Because Vidura is described as amala-ātmā (spotless in motive), and his inquiry is presented as exemplary—endorsed and strengthened by saintly appreciation.
Approach spiritual study with sincere intent, ask questions that lead to inner transformation, and seek guidance in the association and feedback of genuine sādhus and devotees.