4. VIDURA LEAVES DHRITARASHTRA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AARANYA PARVA > AARANYAKA PARVA > CHAPTER 4 - VIDURA LEAVES DHRITARASHTRA

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘After the Paandavaas had gone to the forest, Dhritarashtra – the son of Ambika, whose knowledge was his eye (Pragnyaachakshu in Sanskrit), became exceedingly sorrowful. Seated at his ease, the king (Dhritarashtra) addressed these words to Dharmaatma Vidura of great intelligence, ‘Your knowledge is as pure as that of Bhargava (Parashuraama). You also know all the subtleties (Sookshmaa) of Dharma, and you look on all the Kauravaas with an equal eye. O, tell me what is proper for me and them. O Vidura, things having thus taken their path, what should we do now? How may I secure the goodwill of the citizens so that they may not destroy us to the roots? O, tell us all, since you are knowledgeable with every excellent measure.’

“Vidura said, ‘The three-fold purposes, O king (viz., Arthaa, Kaamaa, and Moksha), have their foundations in Dharma, and the sages say that a kingdom also stands on Dharma as its basis. Therefore, O monarch (Dhritarashtra), according to the best of your power, you cherish Dharmically your own sons and those of Paandu. That Dharma had been blinded by Paapaatma with Saubala (Shakuni) at their head, when your sons invited the son of Kunti (Yudhishthira) and defeated him in the match at dice. O king (Dhritarashtra), of this action of complete wickedness I saw this expiation (Mukti in Sanskrit) whereby, O chief of the Kurus (Dhritarashtra), your son (Duryodhana), freed from sin, may win back his position among good men.

“Let Paandavaas, obtain that which was given to them by you. For, certainly, this is the highest Dharma that a king should remain content with his own, and never desire another’s possessions. Then, your good name would not suffer nor would family disagreements follow, nor Adharma be youra. This then is thy prime duty now – to gratify the Paandavaas and disgrace Shakuni. If you wish to restore to your sons the good fortune they have lost, then, O king, you do speedily adopt this line of conduct. If you do not act so, the Kurus will surely meet with destruction, for neither Bhimasena nor Arjuna, if angry, will leave any of their enemies unslain.

“What is there in the world which is unattainable to those who have among their warriors Savyasaachi (Arjuna) skilled in arms; who have the Gaandiva, the most powerful of all weapons in the world, for their bow; and who have among them the mighty Bhima also as a warrior? Formerly, as soon as thy son was born, I told you – You forsake this inauspicious child of yours. Herein lies the good of your race (Kula in Sanskrit) – but you did not then act accordingly. Nor also, O king (Dhritarashtra), have I pointed to you out of the way of your welfare. If you do as I have counselled, you shall not have to repent afterwards.

“If your son (Duryodhana) agrees to reign in peace jointly with Paandavaas, passing your days in joy you shall not have to repent. If it be otherwise, you abandon your child for your own happiness. Putting Duryodhana aside, you do install the Paandavaa (Yudhishthira) in the sovereignty, and let, O king (Dhritarashtra), Ajaatashatru (Yudhishthira), free from passion, rule the earth as per Dharma. All the kings of the earth, then, like Vaishyaas, will, without delay, pay homage to us. O king, let Duryodhana, Shakuni and Karna with eagerness wait upon the Paandavaas. Let Duhshaasana, in the middle of the sabha, ask forgiveness of Bhimasena and of Draupadi also. You do pacify Yudhishthira by placing him on the throne with every mark of respect. Asked by you, what else can I counsel you to do? By doing this, O monarch, you would do what was proper.’

“Dhritarashtra said, ‘These words, O Vidura, that you have spoken in this sabha, with reference to the Paandavaas and myself, are for their good but not for ours. My mind does not approve them. How have you settled all this in your mind now? When you have spoken all this on behalf of the Paandavaas, I perceive that you are not friendly to me. How can I abandon my son for the sake of Paandavaas? Doubtless they (Paandavaas) are my sons, but Duryodhana is sprung from my body. Who then, speaking with impartiality, will ever counsel me to renounce my own body for the sake of others? O Vidura, all that you say is crooked, although I hold you in high esteem. Stay or go as you like. However, much may she be honoured, an unchaste (woman) will forsake her husband.’

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘O king (Janamejaya), saying this Dhritarashtra rose suddenly and went into the inner apartments. Vidura, saying ‘This race is doomed’ went away to where Paarthaas (Paandavaas) were.’”