Shloka 20
Droṇa–Vidura–Gāndhārī Counsel in the Royal Assembly (धर्मार्थयुक्ता सभा-उपदेश-प्रकरणम्)
प्रतिज्ञां दुष्करां कृत्वा पितुरर्थे कुलस्य च । अराजा चोध्वरिताश्व यथा सुविदितं तव । प्रतीतो निवसाम्येष प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन्
pratijñāṁ duṣkarāṁ kṛtvā pitur arthe kulasya ca | arājā codhvaritāśva yathā suviditaṁ tava | pratīto nivasāmy eṣa pratijñām anupālayan |
我为父王、为宗族立下艰难誓愿：不受王位，且以ūrdhvaretaḥ之身（终生守梵行）而活——此事你早已明知。体察父王内心所愿：“愿此家不绝，愿其名声恒常扩展”，我便将萨蒂雅伐蒂（迦梨）迎至此处。我安然居此，忠实奉守那誓言。
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as steadfastness to a difficult vow: personal sacrifice (renouncing kingship and embracing lifelong celibacy) undertaken for a higher responsibility—one’s father’s welfare and the continuity and honor of the lineage.
The speaker recalls making an arduous pledge to satisfy his father’s inner desire that the dynasty not perish and its fame increase; therefore he brought Satyavatī (also called Kālī) and continues to live contentedly while strictly maintaining that vow.