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
na vai śrutam avijñāya vṛddhān anupasevya vā | dharmārthī vedituṁ śakyau bṛhaspati-samair api ||
Sabi ni Vidura: Kung hindi muna nauunawaan ang mga narinig (mula sa kasulatan at pagtuturo), o kung hindi magalang na naglilingkod at natututo sa matatanda, kahit yaong kapantay ni Bṛhaspati ay hindi tunay na makaaalam ng Dharma at Artha. Ang paghahangad sa katuwiran at sa kapakinabangang pangkabuhayan ay nangangailangan ng disiplinadong pag-aaral at mapagkumbabang pag-aaprentis, hindi lamang talino o pangalan.
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.