Vidura's advice

Mahabharata Vanaparva Section IV

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

 After Pandavas left for forest, Dhritarashtra, the blind king addressed Vidura his minister and his brother, "You are morally right and you know all dharma shastras. You look at all kauravas with equal eye. Things have taken a wrong turn and how can we ensure that the ill-will of citizens dont destroy us ?".

Vidura advices King Dhritarashtra and says "O King, The three purposes of life Artha (profit), Kama (pleasure), Moksha (salvation) have their basis as Dharma (righteousness). Treat your sons and sons of Pandu equally. You have been mis-guided by people headed by son of Suvala (Shakuni), the cunning, and your sons cheated the righteous and virtuous Yudhistir in the game of dice and sent them to forest. If you and your sons do the following , you may win back your position among good men. Give back to Yudhistir what you have given him earlier and dont covet their possessions. Your primary duty is to honour Pandavas and re-instate them in their kingdom and disgrace Shakuni. If you do not do like that, Kurus will definitely meet with destruction. Bhimasena and Arjuna, the mighty warriors with bow and mace , when angered will surely destroy your sons in a war. Nobody can face Arjuna and Bhima in war. When your son was born, I adviced you to forsake your son as he is an ill omen to the kingdom. You didnt listen to me then. Listen to me now, and if your son agrees to reign in peace along with Pandu's sons, there will be peace and prosperity everywhere. Let Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni apologise to Yudhistir and Pandavas, Draupadi and let them attend upon them in alacrity. Re-instate Yudhistir on his throne with all due respect. "

Dhritarashtra doesnt like these words and says "O Vidura, your words are for the benefit of Pandavas and not for the benefit of Kauravas. You are partial to Pandavas. Duryodhan has come out of my own body, how can I forsake my own son for the sake of sons of Pandu ? What you say is crooked, although I hold you in high esteem. You can stay here or go wherever you like. However much she is humoured, an unchaste women will leave her husband". Saying this Dhritarashtra , the blind king rose and left for the inner chamber.

Vidura says to himself "This race is doomed" and leaves to meet Yudhistir and sons of Pandu in the forest.

Hari Om