{"id":4929,"date":"2014-04-24T11:14:19","date_gmt":"2014-04-24T05:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/?p=4929"},"modified":"2014-04-24T11:14:19","modified_gmt":"2014-04-24T05:44:19","slug":"a-glimpse-of-ethical-values-in-vidura-niti-v-p-bhatia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/?p=4929","title":{"rendered":"A GLIMPSE OF ETHICAL VALUES IN VIDURA NITI: V.P.Bhatia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>\u00a0A GLIMPSE OF ETHICAL\u00a0\u00a0VALUES IN VIDURA NITI: V.P.Bhatia<a href=\"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/vidur-niti.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-4930\" alt=\"vidur niti\" src=\"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/vidur-niti.png\" width=\"148\" height=\"225\" \/><\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>\u00a0VIDURA NITI<\/b><b>i by Mahatama Vidur is one of the prominent Niti Sastras containing ethical values, having relevance even today. The ancient ethical values contained in Vidur Niti (comprising Udyoga Parva, sections XXXIII to XLI of Mahabharata) by Mahatama Vidura contains gems of ethical values , which hold a great relevance even for modern times. Here is a glimpse in some\u00a0 such values.<\/b>___________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n<p>VIDURA NIT: WISDOM THROUGH NUMBERS(1 &#8211; 10)<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8<b>\u00a0THE ONE<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>HEARTLESS<\/b>: Who is more cruel \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and\u00a0<i>heartless<\/i>\u00a0than the one, who, though possessed of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 affluence, eats alone and wears excellent robes himself, without \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 distributing his wealth among his servants and dependents? (Obviously, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 none). (VN: 1.42).<\/li>\n<li><b>Sin attaches to the Doer Alone: <\/b>While \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 one person commits sins ( viz. earn money by evil means), many reap the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 advantage resulting there from; (<b>but in the end) it is the doer alone \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to whom the sin attaches<\/b>, while those who enjoy the fruit escape \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 unhurt. (VN: 1.43)<\/li>\n<li><b>INTELLIGENCE<\/b>: When an archer shoots \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 an arrow, he may or may not succeed in killing even a single person, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 but\u00a0<i>when an intelligent individual applies his intelligence \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (viciously), it may destroy an entire kingdom along with the king. (VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.44). <\/i><\/li>\n<li>\u00a0<b>DISCRIMINATING\/DISCRIMINATION<\/b>\u00a0:\u00a0<i>Discriminating \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the two by means of one, bring under thy subjection the three by means of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 four, and also conquering the five and knowing the six, and abstaining \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 from the seven, <b>be happy.<\/b><\/i>(VN:1.45).<\/li>\n<li><b>Paramhansa Swami Jagdeshwarananda Saraswati<\/b>\u00a0( a learned scholar, who recently left for heavenly \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 abode) has explained this<i>\u00a0Kuta Sloka<\/i>\u00a0(a puzzling verse), \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 as follows:<\/li>\n<li><i>One is intellect<\/i>, through which \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 means one should\u00a0<i>discriminate the right and wrong<\/i>.<\/li>\n<li>Allies, neutral and foes- these three should be brought under \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 control by four expedients i.e.\u00a0<i>Sama, Dana, Danda and Bheda<\/i>. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allies should be put under control by\u00a0<b>Sama,-<\/b>\u00a0by \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 tranquilizing words,\u00a0<i>neutral powers by giving some thing <\/i>and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 by discrimination, and\u00a0<i>the foe should be brought under control by \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 all the four expedients.<\/i><\/li>\n<li>By conquering the five sense organs you should know the reality \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of\u00a0<i>Sandhi(<\/i>making peace with the enemy),\u00a0<i>Vigraha<\/i>\u00a0&#8211; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 declaring war against the wicked enemy,<i>\u00a0Yana<\/i>\u00a0\u2013 marching \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to action,\u00a0<i>Asana\u00a0<\/i>\u2013 remaining passive,\u00a0<i>Dwedha<\/i>\u00a0( \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 gaining victory by dividing the forces into two), and\u00a0<i>Samasrya\u00a0<\/i>(seeking \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 protection of, or alliance with) a powerful king.<\/li>\n<li><b>By abstaining from seven evils<\/b>\u00a0i.e. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 adultery, gambling(playing with dice), hunting, use of intoxicants like \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 liquor, etc., saying unkind or hard words, infliction of punishment \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 without offence and spending money for sinful purposes,\u00a0<b>be happy<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li>The learned Swami also gave spiritual translation of the above \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 verse, as follows:<\/li>\n<li>By\u00a0<i>summnum bonum<\/i>\u00a0intellect one should acquire \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 definite knowledge of soul and God.<\/li>\n<li><b>Desire, anger and greed<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 these three should be controlled by\u00a0<i>Sama, dama, Uparati and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sraddha.<\/i><\/li>\n<li><b>By controlling five sense organs<\/b>, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 one should be well-versed in\u00a0 the\u00a0<i>performance of six kinds of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 acts<\/i>\u00a0\u2013<\/li>\n<li><i>Sama<\/i>, restraining one\u2019s mind and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 soul from sins and temptations,<\/li>\n<li><i>Dama<\/i>, controlling the organs of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 actions and living a chaste life,<\/li>\n<li><i>Uparati,<\/i>\u00a0keeping aloof from \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 wicked persons,<\/li>\n<li><i>Titiksa,<\/i>\u00a0to be indifferent to \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 worldly pleasures and pains, and throwing oneself heart and soul into the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 pursuit of the ways and means of liberation.<\/li>\n<li><i>Sraddha \u2013<\/i>\u00a0to have faith in \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 scriptures, profound scholars and men of great piety and high ideals, and<\/li>\n<li><i>Samadhana<\/i>\u00a0&#8211; the concentration \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of the mind.The seven addictions one should abstain from are the same, as \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 explained above.<\/li>\n<li><b>The One(contnd.)<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Poison kills only one person who takes it, and a weapon also \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (kills) but one. But<b>when secret counsels become known, they destroy an \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 entire kingdom with the king and the subjects. (VN: 1.46)<\/b><\/li>\n<li>One should not partake of any savoury food\u00a0<b>alone,<\/b>\u00a0<b>nor \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 alone reflect in the matter of acquiring wealth or on concerns of profit<\/b>, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 nor alone go upon a journey, nor alone remain awake among sleeping \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 companions. (VN: 1.47)<\/li>\n<li>&#8221; O king! Just as boat is the only means to cross an \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ocean, similarly the Lord Almighty who is incomparable and the One without \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a second, is the only way to attain salvation, but you are not able to \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 comprehend this truth&#8221;. (VN: 1.48)<\/li>\n<li><b>Forgiveness<\/b><\/li>\n<li>There is one only defect in a forgiving person, and not \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 another; that defect is that\u00a0<i>people take a forgiving person to be \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 weak.<\/i>\u00a0(VN: 1.49)<\/li>\n<li><b><i>Righteousness (Dharma<\/i><\/b>) is the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 one highest good, which leads to salvation. Forgiveness is the only \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 supreme way to peace; knowledge alone gives contentment and\u00a0<b>benevolence, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and Ahimsa (non-injury) alone gives happiness. (VN: 1.50).<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>These Two<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Even as a serpent devours animals living in holes,\u00a0<b>the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 earth devours these two, viz., a king who is incompetent to fight against \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 an invader<\/b>, and a Brahmana (Sanyasi) who does not move from one place \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to another for preaching.(VN: 1.51).<\/li>\n<li>A man can attain glory and fame in this world\u00a0<b>by doing \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 two things<\/b>, viz., by refraining from harsh speech, and by disregarding \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 those who are wicked. (VN: 1.52).<\/li>\n<li><b>These two have not a will of their own,<\/b>\u00a0viz., those women who covet men simply because the latter \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 are coveted by others of their sex, and that person who regards another \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 simply because the latter is worshipped by others. (VN: 1.53).<\/li>\n<li><b>These two are like sharp thorns afflicting the body, v<\/b>iz., the desires (building castles in the air) of a poor man, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and the anger of the incompetent. (VN: 1.54).<\/li>\n<li>These\u00a0<b>two types of persons never shine<\/b>\u00a0(become \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 glorious) in this world because of their incompatible acts, viz.,<i>\u00a0a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 householder who is indifferent or without exertion<\/i>, and a sanayasi who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 is indulging in worldly affairs. (VN: 1.55).<\/li>\n<li>O king! these\u00a0<i>two types of persons, live (as it were) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 in a region higher than the heaven<\/i>\u00a0itself( i.e. they are very \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 happy), viz.,\u00a0<b>a man of power but at the same time endued with \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 forgiveness, and poor man who is charitable.<\/b>\u00a0(VN: 1.56).<\/li>\n<li>These are\u00a0<i>only two misuses of the wealth which is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 honestly earned,<\/i>\u00a0viz., making gifts to the unworthy and refusing \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the worthy. (VN: 1.57).<\/li>\n<li>These two should be thrown into the water, tightly binding \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 weights to their necks, viz., a wealthy man that does not give away alms, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and a poor man who does not exert himself and remains idle. (VN: 1.58).<\/li>\n<li><b>These two, can pierce the orb of the sun,<\/b>\u00a0viz., a mendicant (Sanyasi) accomplished in Yoga, and a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 warrior who loses his life but does not run away from the battlefield. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (VN: 1.59).<\/li>\n<li><b>These Three<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Persons well- versed in the Vedas have said that\u00a0<b>men\u2019s \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 means of accomplishment of an object are three-fold<\/b>\u00a0i.e.\u00a0<i>good, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 middling and bad<\/i>. (VN: 1.60).<br \/>\nO king, there are\u00a0<b>three kinds of men &#8211; good, indifferent and bad<\/b>. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They should, therefore, be\u00a0<i>respectively employed in that kind of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 work for which they may be fit<\/i>. (VN: 1.61).<\/li>\n<li>These three, O king, are not deemed to have wealth of their \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 own, viz., the wife, the son and the slave, or an employee, and whatever \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 they earn would be his to whom they belong.( VN: 1.62).<\/li>\n<li>These\u00a0<b>three crimes shorten the life of a man, deny him \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of Dharma (righteousness) and bring a bad name to him<\/b>\u00a0viz., \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 snatching the property of others by foul means, adultery with others\u2019 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 wives, and deceiving his friends.(VN: 1.63).<\/li>\n<li>These three, besides, being\u00a0<b>destructive to one\u2019s own \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 self<\/b>, are the gates to the hell, viz.,\u00a0<i>lust, anger, and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 covetousness<\/i>\u00a0<i>Men also<\/i>, Therefore, the wise man should \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 renounce them. (VN: 1.64). [Note: Comparewith The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 16, verse 21. The Blessed Lord said: &#8220;Triple is the gate of this \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 hell, destructive of the self \u2013 lust, anger and greed; therefore one \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 should abandon these three.&#8221;]<\/li>\n<li>Verily, O Bharata,\u00a0<i>liberating a foe from distress, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 alone amounts in point of merit<\/i>, to these three taken together, viz., \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 conferring a boon, acquiring a kingdom and obtaining a son.(VN: 1.65).<\/li>\n<li><b>These three refugees should never be forsaken even in imminent \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 great danger,<\/b>\u00a0viz.,<i>\u00a0an old \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 devotee( follower), one who is serving at present and who seeks \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 protection, saying: \u2018I am thine\u2019. (VN: 1.66).<\/i><\/li>\n<li><b>These Four<\/b><\/li>\n<li>Learned men have declared that even a king, although \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 powerful,\u00a0<b>should never consult with these four,<\/b>\u00a0viz.,\u00a0<i>men \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of small sense(foolish persons), men that are procrastinating(slow in \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 action), men that are enthusiastic or who are thoughtless<\/i>, and men \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 that are flatterers. (VN: 1.67).<\/li>\n<li>O sire,\u00a0<b>crowned with prosperity and leading the life of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a householder, let these four dwell with thee,<\/b>\u00a0viz., old \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 consanguineous relatives, high-born persons fallen into adversity, poor \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 friends, and issueless sisters. (VN: 1.68).<\/li>\n<li>On being asked by the chief of the celestials Indra, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vrihaspati, O mighty king, declared\u00a0<b>four things capable of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 fructifying or occurring immediately, within a single day, viz.<\/b>,\u00a0<i>the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 resolve of the gods<\/i>,\u00a0<i>the influence of the intelligent persons, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the humility of learned men, and the renunciation of evil habits or \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 destruction of the sinful<\/i>. (VN: 1.69-70).<\/li>\n<li><b>These four<\/b>\u00a0that are performed \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to remove fear,\u00a0<b>bring on fear when they are improperly performed, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 viz.<\/b>, the\u00a0<i>Agni-hotra (sacred fire ceremony of pouring \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 oblations in the fire), in accordance with the scriptures, the vow of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 silence according to Sastras, study in accordance with scriptures and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Yajna( i.e. any good deed performed for the benefit of the Society).<\/i>(VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.71). It may be added that\u00a0<i>Agnihotra,<\/i>\u00a0etc., when \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 performed according to sastras bear good results but when they are \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 performed with vanity or conceit they become harmful.<\/li>\n<li><b>These Five<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>T<\/b>hese five fires should be\u00a0<b>worshipped with regard by a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 person<\/b>, viz.,\u00a0<i>father, mother, Agni-hotra fire (proper), soul \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and preceptor.<\/i>\u00a0(VN: 1.72).<\/li>\n<li><b>By serving these five kinds of persons, men attain great fame \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and glory in this world,<\/b>\u00a0i.e.\u00a0<i>Deva(learned \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 persons), the Pitris (father, mother, teacher and the like), Manusya(old \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 persons, lepers, beggars,etc.) and Athithi (guests- who come by chance).<\/i>\u00a0(VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.73).<\/li>\n<li>These five follow thee wherever you go, viz., friends, foes, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 those that are indifferent, dependants, and those who want refuge and are \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 entitled to maintenance. (VN: 174).<\/li>\n<li><b>Out o f the five senses organs(eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of a man, if one springs a leak, then from that single hole runs out all \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 his intelligence, just like water runs out from a perforated leathern \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 vessel. (VN: 1.75).<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>These Six<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>These six faults should be avoided by a person who wishes to \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 attain prosperity and happiness, viz.<\/b>,\u00a0<i>sleep, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 drowsiness, fear, anger, laziness and procrastination. (VN: 1.76).<\/i><\/li>\n<li>Verily those\u00a0<b>six qualities should never be forsaken by \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 men<\/b>, viz.,\u00a0<i>truth, charity, diligence, benevolence, forgiveness \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and patience. (VN: 1.77).<\/i><\/li>\n<li><b>These six should be renounced<\/b>\u00a0like \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a broken boat in the sea, viz. a preceptor who cannot expound the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 scriptures (who cannot teach), a priest who is illiterate,\u00a0<i>a king \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 who is unable to defend, a wife who is disloyal,<\/i>\u00a0a cow-herd who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 does not want to go to the fields, instead who wishes to remain in the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 village, and a barber who wishes to live in woods instead of a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 village.(VN: 1.78-79).<\/li>\n<li>O king!\u00a0<b>these six comprise the happiness of men, viz. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 acquirement of wealth, uninterrupted sound health, aggo-looking and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 beloved wife with sweet speech, an obedient son and knowledge that is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 lucrative or the knowledge which is learnt by knowing its meaning. (VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.80).<\/b><\/li>\n<li>O king!\u00a0<b>Sound health, debtlessness (being debt free), \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 living at home (not living in foreign lands), companionship with good men, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 certainty as regards the means of livelihood, and living without fear- \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 these six conduce to the happiness of men.(VN: 1.81).<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>He who brings under his control these six<\/b>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<i>lust, anger, sorrow, attachment, vanity and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 self-conceit, which are always present in the human heart, and thus \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 becomes the master of his senses, never commits sins and, therefore, can \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 never suffer from calamities.(<\/i>VN: 1.82).<\/li>\n<li>The following six may be seen to\u00a0<b>subsist upon the other \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 six<\/b>, and there is no seventh who depends on some other. These are: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 thieves upon persons who are careless, physicians on persons who are \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ailing, prostitutes upon persons suffering from lust, the priests upon \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 their Yajmanas(the institutor of a sacrifice( who pour oblations in the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 fire), a king upon persons that quarrel and lastly<i>\u00a0men of learning \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 upon them who are without it<\/i>.(VN: 1.83-84).<\/li>\n<li>These six are\u00a0<b>instantly destroyed, if neglected<\/b>, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 viz., kine (cow), services(the work which is under the supervision of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 servants),\u00a0<i>agriculture, a wife, learning<\/i>, and the company of a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 base person. (VN: 1.85).<\/li>\n<li>These six forget those who have bestowed obligations on them, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 viz., educated disciples, their preceptors; married persons, their \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 mothers; persons whose desires have been gratified, women; they who have \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 achieved success, they who had rendered aid; they who have crossed a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 river, the boat (that carried them over); and patients that have been \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 cured, (forget) their physicians. (VN: 1.86-87).<\/li>\n<li><b>These six are always miserable<\/b>, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 viz.,\u00a0<i>the envious, the malicious, the discontented, the irascible, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the ever suspicious and those depending upon the fortunes of others. (VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.88).<\/i><\/li>\n<li><b>These Seven<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>A king should renounce these seven faults<\/b>\u00a0which are productive of calamity, inasmuch as they are \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 able to effect the ruin of even monarchs firmly established; these \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 are\u00a0<i>women, dice, hunting, drinking, harshness of speech, severity \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of punishment, and misuse of wealth.(VN: 1.89-90).<\/i><\/li>\n<li><b>These Eight<\/b><\/li>\n<li>These eight are the\u00a0<b>immediate indications of a man \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 destined to destruction<\/b>, viz., hating the Brahmanas (Brahmins), \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 dispute with Brahmanas, appropriation of a Brahmana\u2019s possessions, taking \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the life of a Brahmana, taking a pleasure in reviling Brahmanas, grieving \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 to hear the praises of Brahmanas, forgetting them on ceremonious \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 occasions, and giving vent to spite when they ask for anything. These \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 transgressions a wise man should understand and understanding, renounce \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 them.(VN: 1.91-93).<\/li>\n<li>These eight, O Bharata, are\u00a0<b>the very cream of happiness<\/b>, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and these are<b>the only means of prosperity in this world,<\/b>\u00a0viz., \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 meeting with friends, accession of immense wealth, embracing a son, full \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 satisfaction of husband and wife after intercourse, speaking sweet words \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 at the right occasion or conversation with friends at proper times, advancement \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 in one\u2019s own class or party, the acquisition of what was most cherished \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and respect in the society.(VN: 1.94-96).<\/li>\n<li><b>These eight qualities glorify a man, viz., wisdom, high birth, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 self-restraint, learning, prowess, moderation in speech, gift according to \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 one\u2019s power, and gratitude.<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>These Nine<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>This house(human body) has nine doors<\/b>\u00a0(i.e. two eyes, two ears, two holes of the nostril, one \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 mouth, the holes of anus and penis),\u00a0<b>three pillars<\/b>(\u00a0<i>Sattava, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rajas and Tamas- goodness, passion and darkness or virtu, foulness and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ignorance)<\/i>, and five witnesses( sound, tangibility, shape or colour, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 flavour and smell). It is\u00a0<b>presided over by the soul.<\/b>\u00a0The \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 learned man who knows the abode of the soul &#8211; the human body, with these \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 nine gates, three pillars and five witnesses,\u00a0<b>is truly a wise man<\/b>.(VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.97).<\/li>\n<li><b>These Ten<\/b><\/li>\n<li>O Dhritarashtra,\u00a0<b>these ten do not know what Dharma( \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 virtue) is<\/b>, viz., the intoxicated, inattentive, the mad(raving), the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 fatigued, the angry, the hungry, the hasty, the covetous, the frightened, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and the lustful. Therefore, he, who is wise, should not keep company with \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 them (VN: 1.98-99).<\/li>\n<li><b>The king<\/b>\u00a0who renounces lust \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and anger, who bestows wealth upon proper recipients, and who is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 discriminating, learned, and active, is regarded as an authority by all \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 men.(VN: 1.101)<\/li>\n<li><b>Great prosperity attends upon that king<\/b>\u00a0who knows how to inspire confidence in others, who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 inflicts punishment on those whose guilt has been proved, who is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 acquainted with the proper measure of punishment, and who knows when mercy \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 is to be shown.(VN: 1.102).<\/li>\n<li>He is\u00a0<i>a self-possessed person<\/i>\u00a0who does not \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 disregard even a very weak and humble person,\u00a0<i>who proceeds with \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 intelligence and care in respect of a foe<\/i>, who is anxiously watching \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 for an opportunity,\u00a0<b>who does not desire hostilities with persons \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 stronger than himself, and who displays his prowess at proper time .(VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.103).<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>T<\/b>hat illustrious person, who does \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 not grieve when a calamity befalls on him, who exerts with all his \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 collected senses, and who patiently bears misery in distress, is\u00a0<b>really \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the foremost of persons,<\/b>\u00a0and all his foes are already \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 vanquished.(VN: 1.104)<\/li>\n<li>He who does not live away from home uselessly, who does not \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 make friends with sinful persons, who never indulges with another\u2019s wife, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 who never betrays arrogance, and who never commits a theft, who neither \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 backbites nor indulges in drinking or shows ingratitude\u00a0<b>is always \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 happy<\/b>. .(VN: 1.105).<\/li>\n<li>He who\u00a0<b>never boastfully strives to attain the three \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 objects of human persuit,<\/b>\u00a0viz.<i>\u00a0Dharma<\/i>(virtue),\u00a0<i>Artha \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (<\/i>wealth) and\u00a0<i>Kama<\/i>(deire), who when asked, tells the truth, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 who does not quarrel over trifles even for the sake of friends, and who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 never becomes angry though slighted,\u00a0<b>is reckoned as wise<\/b>.(VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.106).<\/li>\n<li>He ,who neither bears malice towards others nor becomes angry, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 but is kind to all, who being weak never quarrels with others or does not \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 stand surety for anyone, who does not speak arrogantly, and avoids \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 controversy,\u00a0<b>is praised everywhere<\/b>. (VN: 1.107).<\/li>\n<li>That man who never assumes a haughty mien, who does not boast \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 of his valour in the presence of others, agitated even by anger, never \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 speaks harsh words &#8211;<b>is ever loved by all. (VN: 1.108).<\/b><\/li>\n<li>He who rakes not up old hostilities, who behaves neither \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 arrogantly nor with too much humility,\u2019 I am in distress\u2019 \u2013 saying so who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 does not commit improper acts, is considered by respectable men as a \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 person of good conduct \u2013\u00a0<b>a noble man.<\/b>(VN: 1.109).<\/li>\n<li>He, who never exults at his own happiness, nor delights in \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 another\u2019s misery, and who repents not after giving charity, is said to be \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a\u00a0<b>man of good nature and conduct<\/b>. (VN: 1.110).<\/li>\n<li>He, who has a\u00a0<b>knowledge of the customs of different \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 countries<\/b>, and also the rules and languages of different nations, and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 usages of different orders of men,<b>\u00a0is a discreet person<\/b>\u00a0&#8211; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 he knows at once all that is high and low.<b>Wherever he may go, he is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 sure to gain sway\/asendancy over public and rules them. He is respected \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and adored by all. (VN:<\/b>\u00a01.111).<\/li>\n<li>The prudent\/ intelligent person who relinquishes hypocracy in \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (performing of religious ceremony in order to cheat the public), folly, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 jeoulsy, sinful acts, disloyalty towards the king, crookedness of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 behaviour, enmity with many, and also quarrels with men that are drunk, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 mad and wicked, is\u00a0<b>the foremost of his species<\/b>.(VN: 1.112).<\/li>\n<li><b>The very gods \u2013 the learned men and divine powers bestow \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 prosperity upon him and lead him towards excellence,<\/b>\u00a0<i>who does the following deeds daily<\/i>&#8211; \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 viz.\u00a0gives charity, purifies himself inwardly and outwardly, performs \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Agni-hotra, performs auspicious rites, repents for his bad deeds, and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 performs rites of universal observance practises self-restraint, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 purification, auspicious rites, worship of the gods, expiatory ceremonies, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and other rites of universal observance. (VN: 1.113).<\/li>\n<li><b>The policies of that learned man are well- conceived and well \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 -applied<\/b>\u00a0( are successful),who\u00a0<i>forms \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 matrimonial alliances with persons of equal position<\/i>and not with those \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 that are inferior, who talks, and who talks, behaves and makes friendships \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 with persons of equal position,\u00a0<i>places those before him who are \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 more qualified \u2013 thinks them as ideal. (VN: 1.114).<\/i><\/li>\n<li><b>The calamities and sufferings always keep themselves aloof from \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 that person,<\/b>\u00a0<i>who has soul under his \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 control- who is determined, who eats frugally after dividing the food \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 amongst his dependents, uses the clothing, etc. in small quantity, who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 sleeps little after working much, and who, when solicited gives away even \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 unto his foes.(VN: 1.115)<\/i>.<\/li>\n<li>The man whose well-planned and spoiled works are never known to \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 others, whose counsels are well-kept and become known to others only when \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 they are carried out into practice, his works are never spoiled \u2013\u00a0<b>he \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 succeeds in all his objects<\/b>. (VN: 1.116).<\/li>\n<li>He who is intent upon abstaining from injury to all creatures, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 who is truthful, tender-hearted, who respects others and pure in mind, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 shines greatly among his kinsmen like a precious gem of the purest ray \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 having its origin in an excellent mine. (VN: 1.117).<\/li>\n<li>That man, who without being told by another, himself knowing \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 his fault, feels ashamed, becomes the preceptor of the whole world \u2013 he is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 highly honoured among all men. He, who is possessed of immense luster, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 cheerful mind, pure heart and a steady intellect, shines with energy like \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 the very Sun.(VN: 1.118).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Characteristics of Wise Persons\/Mark of Wisdom<\/li>\n<li>\u00d8\u00a0<b>Characteristics of Wise Persons\/Mark of Wisdom:<\/b><i>Vidura said<\/i>:<br \/>\n\u2018He alone is a wiswe man,who knows his capacity,who is never idle or lazy but exerts himself according to his might, who is not affected by pleasure or pain, profit or loss, honour or dishonour, who has a firm faith in Dharma and who is not tempted by sensual objets. (VN: 1.16).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He whom neither anger nor joy, nor pride, nor false modesty, nor stupefaction, nor vanity, can draw away from the high ends of life, is considered as wise. (VN: 1.18).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He whose intended acts, and proposed counsels remain concealed from foes, and whose acts become known only after they have been done, is considered wise (VN: 1.19).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He whose proposed actions are never obstructed by heat or cold, fear of attachment, prosperity or adversity, is considered wise. (VN: 1.20).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He, whose worldly intelligence follows both Dharma (virtue) and Artha (wealth) and who disregarding worldly pleasures chooses Dharma which is serviceable in both worlds, is considered wise. (VN: 1.21).<br \/>\n\u00d8 They that exert to the best of their might, and act also to the best of their might, and disregard nothing as insignificant, are called wise. (VN: 1.22).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He ,who grasps the most difficult subject quickly, listens to the talks of others patiently, pursues the objects of the senses with judgment and not from desire and does not give his opinion unasked , is said to possess the foremost mark of wisdom. (VN: 1.23).<br \/>\n\u00d8 Those having intelligence of a wise man, do not strive for objects that are unattainable, do not grieve for what is lost and gone, and never lose their heart (remain firm) in calamities. (VN: 124).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He, who commences his acts with due thought and consideration, who never gives up things half way , who never wastes his time, and who has his senses under control, is regarded wise. (VN: 1.25)).<br \/>\n\u00d8 They, who are wise, always delight in honest deeds, do what tends to their happiness and prosperity, and never sneer at what is good. (VN: 1.26).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He who exults not at honours, and grieves not at slights, and remains cool and unagitated like a lake in the course of Ganga (Ganges), is reckoned as wise. (VN: 1.27)).<br \/>\n\u00d8 That man who knows the nature of all creatures (viz., that everything is subject to destruction), who is cognisant also of the connections of all acts, and who is proficient in the knowledge of the means that man may resort to (for attaining their objects), is reckoned as wise. (VN: 1.28).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He, who speaks eloquently, can converse on various subjects, knows the science of argumentation, possesses genius, and can interpret the hidden meaning of sacred books, is reckoned as wise. (VN: 1.29).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He whose studies of the Sastras (scriptures) are regulated by reason, and whose reason follows the scriptures, and who abides by the ideals or virtues of good persons and never abstains from paying respect to those that are good, is called a wise man. (VN: 1.30).<br \/>\n\u00d8 He, who having attained immense wealth and prosperity or acquired (vast) learning, does not bear himself haughtily, is reckoned as wise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Vidura Niti: Signs of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 a Foolish Person<\/b><\/li>\n<li>\u00d8<b>\u00a0The Signs of Foolish Persons<\/b><br \/>\n\u00d8 He, on the other hand, who is ignorant of scriptures yet proud, poor but \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 builds castles in the air, and wishes to obtain things or wealth without \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 any exertion on his part, resorts to unfair means, for the acquisition of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 his objects, is a fool. (VN: 1.32).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He who, forsaking his own, concerns himself with the objects of others, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 and who is deceitful with his friends, is called a fool. (VN: 1.33).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He, who wishes for those things that should not be desired, and forsakes \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 those that may legitimately be desired, and who bears malice to those that \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 are powerful, is regarded to be a foolish soul. (VN: 1.34).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He who regards his foe as his friend, who hates and bears malice to his \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 friend, and who commits wicked deeds, is said to be a f fool.(VN: 1.35).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He, who propagates his future programmes(divulges his projects), trusts \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 none and doubts in all things, and takes a long time in doing what \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 requires a short time, is a fool. (VN: 1.36).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He, who does not assign their due share of corn, water, clothes with \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sraddha to the Pitrs(I.e. father, mother, old persons), protectors of the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 city and country, who does not worship the deities( i.e. who does not \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 worship the God Almighty), who does not honour the learned and does not do \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 good to the fire, air, water, etc., by pouring oblations in the fire, and \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 who does not acquire noble-minded friends, is said to be a person of \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 foolish soul. (VN: 1.37).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 He, who enters an assembly or another man\u2019s house uninvited, talks much \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 without being asked, and trusts the untrustworthy or believes in what \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 should not be believed, is verily a fool and the lowest of the low. (VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.38).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 That man who being himself guilty casts the blame on others, and who \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 though impotent gives vent to anger, is the most foolish among men. (VN: \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.39).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 That man, who without knowing his own strength desires an object, which \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 is devoid of both virtue and profit(wealth), difficult of acquisition, \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 without again adopting adequate means, is said to be a fool in this \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 world.(VN: 1.40).<\/p>\n<p>\u00d8 O king, he who advises the undeserving , who keeps company with the \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 wretched and destitute, and takes refuge in misers is said to be having \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 little sense. (VN: 1.41).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>CONCLUSION<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From the perusal of the above advice given by\u00a0<b>Mahatama Vidura<\/b>\u00a0to king Dritrastra, it will be observed that many gems of ethical values are contained in the Vidura Niti, which are still relevant in the modern times. Commencing from \u2018to whom sleep evades\u2019, \u2018the characteristic of wise men\u2019 and the \u2018traits of foolish persons\u2019, Vidura has spread a wide spectrum of variegated rules of conduct, which though meant for Dritrastra, are relevant to all of us even in the present times, when the degradation of ethical values has become rampant all around the world. Let us ponder over some of them to be more wise, prudent, and successful in the ultimate reckoning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; \u00a0A GLIMPSE OF ETHICAL\u00a0\u00a0VALUES IN VIDURA NITI: V.P.Bhatia \u00a0VIDURA NITIi by Mahatama Vidur&#8230; <a class=\"meta-more\" href=\"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/?p=4929\">more <span class=\"meta-nav\">&raquo;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4930,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4929","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4929"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4929\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4931,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4929\/revisions\/4931"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/patriotsforumindia.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}