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Dhṛtarāṣṭra sat alone in his chambers. Sañjaya had been gone for days and was due back at any time. The …

As Dhṛtarāṣṭra sat thinking, a messenger entered his room to inform him that Sañjaya had returned. The king asked that …

Sañjaya entered the chamber with clasped hands and stood before Dhṛtarāṣṭra. “O lord of the earth, I am Sañjaya, returned …

“Blessings to you, Sañjaya. Welcome back. Tell me how Yudhiṣṭhira, who creates no enemies, is faring. Are he and his …

“All is well with the Pāṇḍavas. Yudhiṣṭhira desires to have what was formerly his. In his opinion, virtue is superior …

Sañjaya’s long and intimate relationship with Dhṛtarāṣṭra allowed him to be frank. The king winced as his secretary continued. “Reflect …

Dhṛtarāṣṭra pressed a forefinger and thumb into his eyes. He felt unbearably hot, although he was being fanned on both …

“Surely the Pāṇḍavas are aided by divine forces. Otherwise, how could Arjuna have gone to the heavens in his mortal …

It was late and Sañjaya was tired from his long journey. He asked Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s permission to take rest and said …

After Sañjaya left, Dhṛtarāṣṭra sat alone, his mind wracked by painful thoughts. Everything depended upon him. It would surely be …

Although it was late, Dhṛtarāṣṭra felt that he needed to hear from Vidura. No one could offer him impartial, thoughtful …

The king welcomed him warmly and had him sit at his side. He spoke in somber tones. “O Vidura, I …

Vidura, who had been called from his prayer and meditation, replied, “Sleeplessness overpowers one who has been attacked by a …

Vidura knew well the king’s dilemma. He had discussed it with him on countless occasions, always offering him the same …

The king turned his head toward Vidura. “Speak wisdom to me, dear brother. Speak those words which are at once …

Vidura’s affection for his brother never waned, despite his brother’s foolishness. He patiently advised him for his good, praying that …

Vidura had himself received many instructions from ṛṣis and sages, and he sought their association whenever it was available. Recalling …

“He is said to be a wise man who cannot be deviated from his duties by anger, exultation, pride, lust …

“On the other hand, a fool is proud, even though ignorant, vain and poor. Fools try to achieve prosperity through …

Vidura instructed Dhṛtarāṣṭra well into the night. He tried his best to turn the old king’s mind toward virtue and …