- Compilation: Krishna Sakha, Mudarangadi
- Translation: Lakshmi
- Pic courtesy : pixabay.com
Oh King, a master who is always interested in the welfare of his devoted workers and followers and is never angry about them, will have their absolute loyalty and such workers would never, even under any dangerous circumstance, abandon their master.
yastāta na krudhyati sarvakālaṁ bhr̥tyasya bhaktasya hitē ratasya|
tasmin bhr̥tyā bhartari viśvasanti na cainamāpatsu parityajanti||
— (mahābhārata – viduranīti)
It is common to notice haughtiness and a change in the tone of speech in a person who has attained even small authority. He will forget compassionate words. He will have an arrogant behaviour towards his subordinates. He presumes that he would be respected because of this attitude. Mahabharata cautions that, in reality, he would lose the support of his workers by this behaviour. Irrespective of the situation, unnecessary anger towards an honest and devoted worker is not appropriate and would cause loss to the master himself.
Instead of such behaviour, if a person is affectionate towards his workers, then such workers would be ready to sacrifice their life for their master. Under no circumstance would they abandon their masters. With these words of wisdom, Vidura cautions Dhritarashtra.
If such a system is in place, right from our political structure to our homes and religious institutions, then everyone everywhere would be able to prosper.
