Anu-Chintanam

Vidura Niti, also known as Vidura Neeti or Vidura’s teachings, is a philosophical text attributed to Vidura, a prominent character from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Vidura is considered to be one of the wisest characters in the Mahabharata and is often portrayed as a counselor to the Kuru dynasty.

Vidura Niti consists of a collection of verses or teachings that offer guidance on various aspects of life, ethics, governance, and human behavior. These teachings are considered to be valuable in terms of moral and practical wisdom.

The Vidura Niti addresses topics such as the qualities of a good ruler, the nature of dharma (righteousness), the importance of truth, the consequences of one’s actions, the significance of self-control, the value of patience, the dangers of anger, the importance of humility, and the ephemeral nature of material possessions.

The teachings of Vidura Niti emphasize the importance of living a righteous life, upholding moral values, and fulfilling one’s duties. The text emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge, the cultivation of virtues, and the need for self-reflection and introspection.

Vidura Niti is highly regarded in Hindu philosophy and is considered a valuable source of wisdom and guidance for individuals seeking a righteous and fulfilling life. The teachings of Vidura continue to inspire people to this day, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct, moral values, and personal responsibility.

रथः शरीरं पुरुषस्य राजन्नात्मा नियन्तेsन्द्रियाण्यस्य चाश्वाः। तैरप्रमत्तः कुशली सदश्वैर्दान्तैः सुखं याति रथीव धीरः ॥

English – This human-body is the chariot, the soul (intellect) is its charioteer, the senses are its horses. The person who controls them with care, cleverness and wisdom, travels happily in the world like the best charioteer.

Hindi – यह मानव -शरीर रथ है ,आत्मा (बुद्धि ) इसका सारथी है ,इंद्रियाँ इसके घोड़े हैं। जो व्यक्ति सावधानी ,चतुराई और बुद्धिमानी से इनको वश में रखता है वह श्रेष्ठ रथवान की भांति संसार में सुखपूर्वक यात्रा करता है।

Kannada – ಈ ಮಾನವ ದೇಹವು ರಥ, ಆತ್ಮ (ಬುದ್ಧಿ) ಅದರ ಸಾರಥಿ, ಇಂದ್ರಿಯಗಳು ಅದರ ಕುದುರೆಗಳು. ಅವರನ್ನು ಕಾಳಜಿಯಿಂದ, ಜಾಣತನದಿಂದ ಮತ್ತು ಬುದ್ಧಿವಂತಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸುವ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಯು ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಸಾರಥಿಯಂತೆ ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂತೋಷದಿಂದ ಸಂಚರಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ.

Sanskrit – इदं मानवशरीरं रथः, आत्मा (बुद्धिः) तस्य सारथिः, इन्द्रियाणि तस्य अश्वाः। यः तान् सावधानतया, चतुरतया, प्रज्ञया च नियन्त्रयति, सः उत्तमः सारथिः इव लोके सुखेन यात्रां करोति।