Shloka 18
हंस–साध्यसंवादः, वाक्-निग्रहः, महाकुल-लक्षणम्, शान्ति-उपायः
Hamsa–Sādhya Dialogue; Restraint of Speech; Marks of Noble Lineage; Means to Peace
कुलकी रक्षाके लिये एक मनुष्यका, ग्रामकी रक्षाके लिये कुलका, देशकी रक्षाके लिये गाँवका और आत्माके कल्याणके लिये सारी पृथ्वीका त्याग कर देना चाहिये ।।
kulārthe tyajet puruṣaṁ grāmārthe kulam eva ca | janapadārthe grāmaṁ tyajed ātmārthe pṛthivīm api || āpadarthe dhanaṁ rakṣed dārān rakṣed dhanair api | ātmānaṁ satataṁ rakṣed dārair api dhanair api ||
毗度罗教示审慎取舍与自保之次第：为保宗族，可舍一人；为保一村，可舍一族；为保一国，可舍一村；而为自我之灵（我、ātman）之福祉，甚至可舍尽大地。遭逢灾厄，当先护财；以财护妻与家室；然妻与财之上，须恒护其身——性命与内在安宁——必要时亦可借财与亲缘为手段以自全。
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Vidura sets a graded order of what may be sacrificed for a higher good (individual < family < village < realm), while also insisting that one’s own life and inner welfare must be protected above possessions and even family—especially in times of danger.
In Udyoga Parva, Vidura delivers counsel on dharma and statecraft during the tense pre-war negotiations. This verse is part of his practical instruction on how to prioritize responsibilities and make hard choices under crisis.