Wise and foolish

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Vidura had himself received many instructions from rsis and sages, and he

sought their association whenever it was available. Recalling the saints'

words of wisdom, he became more gentle with Dhrtarastra as he continued to

instruct him. The king listened attentively.

"He is said to be a wise man who cannot be deviated from his duties by

anger, exultation, pride, lust or ignorance, and who remains fixed on the

highest goals of life. Attachment to the saintly, renouncing the association

of blameworthy men, and maintaining faith and reverence toward elders are

also signs of the wise. A wise man acts in accordance with religion,

pursuing a course that benefits him in both this life and the next rather

than one that offers only immediate pleasure. Wise men do not lament for

what is lost, nor do they hanker for the unattainable. They rejoice in

virtuous deeds and they shun sin. The wise understand this world to be

temporary and miserable. They recognize God's supremacy and their own

position as His servants. All their acts are aimed at pleasing the Lord and

achieving His eternal abode.

"On the other hand, a fool is proud, even though ignorant, vain and poor.

Fools try to achieve prosperity through sin, and hanker after others'

property. Resorting to deceit and violence, a fool thinks nothing of hurting

others to achieve his nefarious ends. A fool forsakes that which should be

obtained and desires that which should not be desired. He is faithless,

makes no offerings to the ancestors, and worships only himself. Arrogant,

angry and harsh of speech, he lacks discrimination and befriends those who

should be foes while hating those worthy of friendship. Failing in his

endeavors, he blames others and punishes the innocent. Such men are

ultimately destroyed to their roots."

 

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Mahabharata BK: 1.43: Anxiety for the Blind King