Vidura’s Wisdom

While Vidura spoke the entire night and explained many matters, the focus here is only on the play of numbers. Only one who has precise knowledge and deep understanding of scriptures could have made use of numbers as Vidura has.

The cryptic words

What Vidura said: “A king must use 4 to keep the 3 in check. He must win over 5 and be aware of the 6. He must give up 7”.

The four may be interpreted as the knowledge or mastery of the four Vedas or

The four may represent the four-fold tactical approach to conflict resolution:

Sama (persuasive words), Daana (material incentives), Bheda (instigating dissension), Danda (use of force)

With the knowledge of the Vedas or by use of the four principles, the three that are to be kept in check are:

The three types of people: Satvik, Rajasic and Tamasic.

Thus, he must use 4 to keep the 3 in check.

The five are the sense-organs that are forever engaged in seeking pleasure. A ruler must first conquer his own sense organs and their insatiable desires before attempting to subjugate others.

Thus, he must win over these 5.

The six types of knowledge one must possess, in order to be an efficient ruler, are:
i) knowledge of the principles and nature of the material world
ii) knowledge of the self and the nature of the living
iii) knowledge of dependence on divine control over one’s sense organs
iv) knowledge of the supreme being
v) knowledge of the omni-presence and omni-potence of this supreme being
vi) knowledge of non-doership (awareness that God is the doer)

While it is essential for every ruler to be aware of these six, those drunk with power need to be more aware, said Vidura.

The addictions to be given up are seven in number. They are:
i) womanising
ii) gambling
iii) hunting in excess
iv) consuming intoxicants
v) harsh speech
vi) vengeful behaviour/misuse of power
vii) wasteful expenditure

Attributes of the wise

Vidura’s neethi or set of ethics also focussed on the attributes of the wise. The wise, according to Vidura, always display self-awareness, forbearance and steadiness. Their aspirations are noble, their actions are meant for service, their focus is unswerving and their mind is undisturbed by praise or slights.

Vidura also lists righteousness as the highest good a person can display, forgiveness as the supreme attribute of the wise, knowledge as the best source of contentment and benevolence as the root of happiness.

Failings of the fool

The fool, according to Vidura, is vain, proud, envious, his aspirations are ignoble, hankers after things that are not meant to be his and does not hesitate to employ unfair means to acquire whatever he desires.

To be continued...