Duryodhana refuses to part with five villages to Pandavas, King Dhritarasthra was depressed he sought the help of Mahatma Vidhura to advise him on the Dharma (Righteousness). The dialogues between Vidhura and Dhritarasthra is compiled and tittled “Vidhura Gita.” This text is generally referred to as “Vidhura Neethi” it comprises maxims of right conduct, fairplay and the art of governing and politics.
Explaining about the Sukha (Pleasures) that mortals experience in their lifespan, Mahatma Vidhura zero in on six components. Vidhura identifies six sources to experience pleasure in this corporeal world. Artha Agama (Flow of Revenue), Nityam Arogita (Incessant Good Health), Priyashcha bharya Priya vadini (Beloved and Pleasant speaking Wife), Vashyashcha Putro (Obedient Children) and finally Arthakari Vidya (Useful Knowledge) are the six means to experience pleasure in life.
Refering to the first component Mahatma Vidhura categorically suggests flow of revenue rather than Sampat (Wealth). Net worth in assests can never match the revnue flow. Liquidity is often a better indication of financial health than net worth. Regular cash flow alone is the one which can keep us in comfort zone.
The second in the list is continual good health. We may occasional have cold, fever, headache or body pain and that is not considered sickness. Here Vidhura is mentioning about any regular illness or permanent ailment, something that requires frequent visit to hospital. Even if all other sources of pleasures are available an unhealthy person cannot be in comfort as his mind is experiencing uneasiness.
The third and fourth is a combination of beloved and pleasant speaking wife. Note that here Vidhura is talking to King Dhritarasthra hence he uses the word “Bharya” (Wife). If he was addressing Gandhari maybe he would have used the word “Bharta” (Husband). The tone of the voice should never be harsh when the couple talk to each other. Voice should be sweet so as the words used. Some meet all the requirements of being a good spouse, but there is an unnecessary Ugrata (Acrimony) in their words when they talk to their spouse. While some spouses do not give a straight answer to any question and the answer is always in the form of a counter question. A harsh spouse will make life miserable even if she/he is considered to be beloved.
Next is to have obedient children, which King Dhritarasthra was deprived with. He had a misfortune of surrendering to the wishes of his eldest son rather than having his son under his control. Children have to be given independence and should be allowed to decide on their own. But the decision which they take should not be a cause for discomfort to parents. Parents find life miserable if they are to lead a life obedient to their own children. An excellent bond we develop with our children and children who show deference to their parents is a vital component for experiencing pleasure in life.
Finally the knowledge acquired by a person during his life time should be useful to him as well as to the society. We might have taken considerable time and resources to gain knowledge. If the knowledge so acquired is not used for the benefit of self and the society, it is a colossal waste. To gain knowledge is itself a fortune and to use it is wisdom. A wise person always experiences comfy.
With this six components Mahatma Vidhura has made easy for us to evaluate ourselves against these benchmarks and decide where we stand; whether we are pleased or displeased or somewhere in between.....
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