The Mahabharata war took place in Dwaparayuga. At that time, there was a scholar whose policies are as relevant today as they were then. These policies of Mahatmi Vidur also teach the art of living life.
Many deep truths related to human conduct, behavior and life have been explained in Vidur Niti. Mahatma Vidur has also thrown light on the reasons for longevity and short life in his policies.
According to the Mahabharata, this question arose in the mind of King Dhritarashtra of Hastinapur that when the age of man has been mentioned as 100 years in the Vedas and Shastras, then why most of the people are not able to live their entire life? Mahatma Vidur has answered this question in very clear words. He has suggested some measures which lead to the downfall of a person.
Dhritarashtra’s question
Dhritarashtra asks Mahatma Vidur that when man has been described as long-lived in the scriptures, then why does man become short-lived?
Answer of Mahatma Vidur
Mahatma Vidur says that man’s age is not reduced due to any external reason, but due to his own faults and deeds. He has mentioned six such defects, which gradually reduce the lifespan of a person. These cause such degradation to a person that it becomes difficult to recover from them.
extreme pride
According to Vidur Niti, pride is the first and most dangerous flaw of man. When a person starts considering himself superior to others because of his position, wealth, knowledge or power, he becomes a victim of pride.
Such a person despises others, insults them and his enemies start increasing. Ultimately this pride becomes the cause of his downfall and loss of life.
speak more
A person who speaks excessively and talks unnecessarily often says such things which give rise to disputes and enmity. According to Vidur Niti, uncontrolled speech destroys a person’s respect, mental peace and social relations. A person who speaks too much is neither liked by the intelligent people nor his words have any impact, due to which his life becomes stressful. The lifespan of such people is short.
anger means anger
Anger has been called the biggest enemy of man in Vidur Niti. In anger, a person loses his conscience and commits such actions, the consequences of which he has to suffer throughout his life. In the scriptures, anger has been called the door to hell. Excessive anger causes mental stress, disease and unrest, which reduces lifespan.
lack of sacrifice
Lack of sacrifice is also considered a major fault that reduces the lifespan of a person. The life of a person who is engrossed only in enjoyment, money and worldly pleasures gradually starts getting destroyed. According to Vidur Niti, the downfall of characters like Ravana and Duryodhana happened due to lack of spirit of sacrifice. Sacrifice prolongs life, while attachment shortens life.
selfishness means greed
Selfishness and greed have been said to be the root of unrighteousness. Selfishness for money, land, power or profit leads a person to sin. A selfish person does not hesitate to cause harm to others, which breaks his relationships and increases unrest in his life. According to Vidur Niti, the lifespan of a selfish person gets reduced.
treason
Betrayal i.e. betraying one’s friend is considered the biggest sin. In the scriptures, friends have been called the power of life. The life of a person who betrays his friends is filled with fear, stress and loneliness. According to Vidur Niti, the life of a person who betrays his friend becomes like hell.
What does Vidur policy say?
These six vices mentioned by Mahatma Vidur are pride, excessive speaking, anger, lack of sacrifice, selfishness and disloyalty which are related to each other. One defect gives rise to another defect. According to Vidur Niti, if a person stays away from these vices, adopts restraint, renunciation, peace and harmony, then he not only lives a long life but also lives a happy and balanced life.