Shloka 3
Vidura-nīti: Atithi-dharma, Trust, Counsel-Secrecy, and Traits of Sustainable Rule
Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 38
प्रियो भवति दानेन प्रियवादेन चापर: । मन्त्रमूलबलेनान्यो य: प्रिय: प्रिय एव सः
priyo bhavati dānena priyavādena cāparaḥ | mantramūlabalenānyo yaḥ priyaḥ priya eva saḥ ||
Sabi ni Vidura: May taong nagiging kaibig-ibig dahil sa pagbibigay; may iba dahil sa magiliw na pananalita; at may iba pa dahil sa lakas na nag-uugat sa mga mantra at mga gamot. Ngunit ang tunay na minamahal ay minamahal sa lahat ng panahon—hindi nakasalalay sa gayong mga paraan.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura distinguishes between affection gained by external means—gifts, flattering speech, or ritual/medical influence—and genuine affection that is steady and unconditional. The verse urges discernment: do not mistake purchased or induced goodwill for true loyalty.
In the Udyoga Parva, as tensions rise toward war, Vidura offers moral counsel (nīti) to guide conduct and judgment. Here he reflects on how people become 'dear' for different reasons, warning that only innate, steadfast goodwill is reliable in critical times.