Section XXXVI - Vidura's advice on family virtues and ethics
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXXVI including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
In this story, Vidura imparts valuable wisdom to Dhritarashtra and recounts a conversation between the son of Atri and the deities called Sadhyas. The mendicant Rishi advises on the importance of self-control, patience, and virtuous conduct in all interactions. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining good manners, avoiding harsh words, and being gracious in speech and action towards others. The Rishi also highlights the qualities of high families, including asceticism, self-restraint, knowledge of the Vedas, and pure marriages, as well as the importance of upholding these virtues to maintain their status.
Vidura explains that family reputation and greatness stem from practices such as sacrifices, pure marriages, and adherence to Vedic rituals. He stresses the importance of good manners, conduct, and humility in defining the worth of a family, regardless of their wealth or possessions. He warns against disrespect towards Brahmanas, impure marriages, and the abandonment of Vedic teachings, as these actions can lead to the downfall of even the most esteemed families. Vidura also underscores the significance of humility, self-restraint, and reverence in interactions with others, as these virtues contribute to one's true worth and reputation.
The narrative delves into the nature of true friendship, advising against associating with those who inspire fear or trepidation. Vidura recommends seeking friends who are trustworthy, supportive, and reliable, rather than those who provoke strife or exhibit ingratitude. He elaborates on the consequences of ingratitude, falsehood, and lack of self-control, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships and honoring one's commitments. Vidura's counsel extends to the impact of grief, fear, and insecurities on individuals, highlighting the role of self-knowledge, asceticism, and equanimity in overcoming these challenges.
Vidura addresses Dhritarashtra's concerns about the impending conflict, urging him to seek solace in knowledge, asceticism, and self-restraint. He advises Dhritarashtra to relinquish fear and anxiety by cultivating virtues such as self-knowledge, ascetic practices, and adherence to righteous conduct. Vidura emphasizes the impermanence of worldly success and possessions, advocating for a focus on inner growth, self-awareness, and moral rectitude as sources of true happiness and peace. Through his counsel, Vidura imparts timeless wisdom on navigating life's challenges, cultivating virtues, and fostering harmonious relationships for enduring prosperity and fulfillment.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section XXXVI - Vidura's advice on family virtues and ethics, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXXVI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XXXVI:
What are the qualities of high families according to Vidura's discourse?
High families are defined by asceticism, self-restraint, knowledge of Vedas, pure marriages, gifts, and good conduct. They maintain integrity and avoid falsehood.
How does Vidura advise to handle harsh words and slanders?
Vidura advises not to retaliate with harsh words or actions. Bearing silently can lead to acquiring the virtues of the slanderer.
What advice does Vidura give for maintaining peace in relationships?
Vidura suggests avoiding anger, maintaining self-control, honoring friends, and seeking peace through knowledge, asceticism, and self-restraint.
What is the significance of relatives according to Vidura?
Relatives are compared to strong trees that stand together. Mutual dependence and aid help them withstand challenges and threats.
How does Vidura advise on handling fear and anxiety?
He advises gaining self-knowledge, practicing asceticism, and maintaining self-restraint to dispel fears. Succumbing to grief and sorrow leads to loss and unhappiness.
What does Vidura recommend for fostering peace and prosperity in families?
He suggests avoiding deceit, promoting softness and strength together, and fostering harmony between conflicting parties for lasting prosperity and happiness.
Daily life: Vidura's advice on family virtues and ethics:
The ancient narrative shared between the Sadhyas and the son of Atri offers profound advice, deeply rooted in virtues and moral conduct, which can be applied to everyday life. It essentially advocates for a life led by tranquility, self-restraint, and moral integrity. The emphasis on bearing slanders quietly teaches us the power of patience and resilience in face of adversity. We are encouraged to absorb the negativity without retaliating, suggesting that true strength lies in maintaining composure and moral high ground, which in turn, enriches us with the slanderer's virtues.
Moreover, the story underscores the significance of companionship and the influence it has on one's character. Associating with virtuous and morally upright individuals can guide one towards a righteous path, just as keeping company with the wicked can lead to one's downfall. This teaches us the importance of being mindful of our associations and striving to be the positive influence within our circles.
Conduct and manners are highlighted as the true wealth of a family or individual, more so than material riches. This underscores the value of humility, respect, and kindness in daily interactions, which in turn fosters a supportive and harmonious community. Additionally, the narrative advises against yielding to grief or anger, promoting a balanced and steady approach to life's ups and downs while highlighting the importance of community, and the strength derived from unity and mutual support.
Thus, the ancient wisdom conveyed through this story, when applied to daily life, encourages leading a life of moral integrity, compassion, and resilience. It calls for the cultivation of good relationships, self-control, and a harmonious balance between personal virtues and societal duties, all of which contribute to a fulfilling and virtuous life.