Vidhura Neethi, a guide on morality

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Vidhura Neethi, a guide on morality (An Article from the Religious Section of

The Hindu taken with permission: "Copyrights 2000 The Hindu & Tribeca

Internet Initiatives Inc.")

 

Mahabharata, which contains an analytical study of human behavior, can be

described as an autobiography of a living person, reflecting essentially the

constant battle between good and evil that are within him. To make man uphold

virtue and remain disciplined, several treatises are embedded within this

monumental epic. Though written centuries ago and perhaps for the then rulers,

the sentiments in these various codes have relevance even today. An

intellectual, for instance, tells a king who displayed grief at the demise of

his kith and kin in a war because of their greed and malice, that when they

arrived in the world, he did not know their past. When they left also he could

not say where they had gone. They did not bring any thing with them nor did

they carry even the speck. The link with them was for a brief time and so why

this regret on their separation, he comforted him.

 

This and several other truths came from a very wise person who was the king's

brother and also his chief minister when the ruler experienced anguish at an

impending crisis. This adviser, known as Vidhura, related to him how man

should be steady in prosperity as well as adversity. His teaching, the

``Vidhura Neethi,'' is a guide on morality. Readers of the epic are of the

view that the book deals with two rival groups (cousins) but the poet says

that he had chosen to present three main characters - Vidhura, Kuntiand

Gandhari - so as to tell mankind about the ethical way of living and about the

glory of women and how the (latter) two symbolized sacrifice. The term

``Vidhura'' itself connotes ``wisdom and spiritual knowledge''.

 

Sri Bannanje Govindacharya, in a lecture said, when Vidhura, the symbol of

piety, felt that there was no use to be amidst dishonest people, he left the

place and went on a pilgrimage. He suggested to another mighty hero, Bheeshma,

to quit likewise but the latter got himself excused. ``I cannot be a silent

spectator when blatant injustice is being done to upright men,'' Vidhura

added. While he was held with deep respect by the Pandavas as a perfect

person, their cousins, the Kauravas, treated him with scant courtesy.

 

While Vidhura's pearls of wisdom spell out how to maintain moral caliber,

there is also a ``manual'' by another adviser who taught ``politics'' to the

vengeful Duryodhana. How to cunningly crush the foes after initially winning

their confidence, how to treat saintly men who practiced Yagnas (austerities),

and how to become a successful leader by extending empty promises and

ultimately pleading certain extraneous excuses when they fail to fulfil them

are some of the features in this counseling on politicking.