Words of Wisdom!

Yudhisthira said to Sanjay: According to response we receive from Kauravas, we will determine our course of action & are prepared for both gentleness and severity

Sanjay returned to Hastināpur & immediately went to Dhritrāshtra to relay message from Pāndavās. Conveying good wishes from Yudhisthira & described their well-being, he then said: It is my opinion that destruction of Kurus is at hand due to wicked deeds performed by Duryodhana & others, with your sanction. By giving in to Duryodhana’s whims, you’ve spoiled your good reputation in this life & your chances for salvation in the next. Entire blame for impending war rests upon you alone

Sanjay then left to retire for the night

Dhritrāshtra immediately called Vidura after Sanjay left, who arrived quickly with a respectful attitude, and said: Sanjaya has returned from Upaplavya & will read Yudhisthira’s message tomorrow morning in royal assembly. I’m in so much anxiety while wondering about Yudhisthira’s intentions that I can’t sleep at night. Dear brother, pls speak to me in such a way that my mind becomes pacified

Vidura, always eager to advise his misguided brother, replied: A lusty person, a thief, one who has lost his wealth, one who has failed to achieve desired success, & a weak person who is under attack from a stronger one can't sleep peacefully. Dear King! I hope you’re not restless because of harboring a greedy desire to acquire wealth belonging to others

Dhritrāshtra said: Vidura, pls speak some words of wisdom that are full of moral import

Vidura frankly said: Maharāj Yudhisthira is emblem of morality, but you’re just opposite. After handing over rule of kingdom to your son & banishing Pāndavās to forest, it is foolish for you to hope for peace & prosperity. And yet, even though you never apply such teachings practically, because you request me to do so, I’ll describe characteristics of a wise & virtuous man

A great soul is one who is beyond influence of material dualities. Such an elevated person is not flattered upon receiving honor, nor becomes angry when insulted. He discards desires for immediate but flickering gratification of body & mental urges and instead acts to obtain eternal benefit. He listens very patiently & attentively & can understand a subject quickly. He doesn’t discuss affairs of others unless someone requests him to give personal advice. Never strives for unattainable & doesn’t grieve for what has been lost

Even in calamity, he doesn’t become bewildered by sorrow. Whatever he starts, he diligently carries thro’ to completion & never allows his valuable time to be wasted in idleness or frivolity. He is not a faultfinder but is anxious to praise good qualities of others. These are characteristics of a person who has actually become elevated in knowledge due to following the path of virtue

Such practical aspects of becoming a knowledgeable person. Let’s reflect, assimilate & practice this and purify our actions

Thoughts? #gameoflife