Look and evaluate before you take a decision – measure the pros and cons
kiṃ nu me syād idaṃ kṛtvā kiṃ nu me syād akurvataḥ
iti karmāṇi saṃcintya kuryād vā puruṣo na vā || 34.19||
Vidura forewarns Dhritarāṣṭra to evaluate the pros and cons of taking a decision even before it is taken. For this, the person has to be well informed, unbiased and progressive thinking. One should also understand the repercussions on the self if that decision is not taken. An opportunity must not be let off without being encashed.
A prudent person understands, evaluates every step that he intends to take and would then take that step, analysing its pros and cons to himself and his people. He will take up that task only when there is a considerable benefit. If not, such tasks that may bring losses may be abandoned. He is one who is in a position to appreciate the nuances of a task only by viewing it. He would definitely be considering the measurable benefit that one would arrive at the end of completing the task.
Do not waste valuable time in meaningless or useless tasks
anārabhyā bhavanty arthāḥ ke cin nityaṃ tathāgatāḥ
kṛtaḥ puruṣakārō ‘pi bhavēd yēṣu nirarthakaḥ ||34.20||
Some tasks are extremely meaningless and will not add any value. Hence no one would step ahead to achieve them. If one tries to do it, then the whole exercise would be futile. One must verify tasks to be completed with utmost care and take firm decisions for completing it. If one takes up tasks that would not lead to success, wealth and growth, it is as good as losing everything.
Dharma should be protected by truth (satya)
satyēna rakṣyatē dharmō viyā yogēna rakṣyatē
mṛjayā rakṣyatē rūpaṃ kulaṃ vṛttēna rakṣyatē || 34.37||
Dharma should be protected by truth (satya), just as one protects knowledge by continuous practice or revision. Just as the beauty of the body is protected by perfumery products, similarly the family or clan is protected by one’s good conduct. Honest deeds and words protect dharma and falsehood destroys dharma. If one has to retain valuable knowledge gained, he has to revise or practice it regularly with a lot of dedication and perseverance. If one has to maintain complexion and beauty, he has to use perfumery products to maintain it. Families that display politeness and knowledge will not have any end. A family gets destroyed if it has arrogant people, however big or great it may be. Hence one has to protect his clan or family with virtues. Virtues alone will protect and sustain the glory of the family.
Discard tasks that instil fear
akārya karaṇād bhītaḥ kāryāṇāṃ ca vivarjanāt
akāle mantrabhedāc ca yena mādyen na tat pibet ||34.41||
Fear arises out of bad tasks, leaving tasks incomplete, by untimely disclosure of secrets, by falling prey to desires and losing control of one’s mind and by consuming alcohol. One can live with prosperity and peace only if all these five reasons are discarded with honest efforts. An intelligent person does tasks which will bring him laurels and earn him respect. It is wise to not do shameful tasks rather than do and regret it later. Doing shameful tasks brings bad reputation that tarnishes one‘s image permanently. One should listen to elders’ advice and follow them as their advice stems from their valuable experience.
Arrogance is cancer
Vidyāmadō dhanamadas tṛtīyō ‘bhijanō madaḥ
ētē madāvaliptānām ēta ēva satāṃ damāḥ ||34.42||
Arrogance can emanate from anything. It could be from wealth, it could be from knowledge, it could be from being along with family, relatives and friends. If this arrogance comes to an unworthy person, it is dangerous and can destroy that person. Pious people will not get arrogant with knowledge, wealth or having friends and relatives in prominent positions. They act with patience.
If an undeserving has knowledge, then he is bound to misuse it, insult others and behave in arrogance, ultimately leading to his own downfall. A person without any control over his senses, if by luck, lays his handson wealth, then he will ill-treat elders because of his money power. A person with control over his senses is the one with true knowledge. A patient individual will not fall for materialistic honours and hence will do a thorough introspection of the matter before arriving at a decision.
An ardent student of Indian philosophy-Tatvavada.. with focus on management and leadership insights from Ithihasa and Puranas. Interested in Neeti and dharma shastras.
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