Bhagavad-Yana Parva — The conversation between Krishna and Vidura

The blessed God said You have spoken as a greatly wise man should-you have spoken as a sharp man should, even as should be spoken by a friend like you to a friend like me.

This has the merit of being conversant with morality and worldly good and truth to that degree which proper for you; the words which have been spoken by you are like the advice of a father or a mother.

What you have told me is true and worthy of being followed and is even what I have described it to be; listen with attention to the reason of my coming here, O Vidura.

The wickedness of soul of the sons of Dhritarashtra and the hostility of the Kshatriyas, knowing full well, all this, 0 Khattva have I now come to the sons of Kuru.

He that will relive this earth of her burden consisting of horses, chariots, elephants, he that will liberate her from curse of Death will earn great religious merit.

Attempting with all his might to do a virtuous act, if a man does not accomplish it, he gets the religious merit of having done the act. About that I have no doubt.

Thinking of a sinful act in his mind, if a man does not accomplish it, he does not get the consequences of that act. Utter those that are conversant with religion.

Therefore shall I with all, sincerity try to establish peace, O Khattva among the Kurus and the Srinjayas, for they will meet with ruins in the case of war.

This exceedingly grave calamity has its rise in the Kurus; for it has been brought about by Karna and Duryodhana. All these are but their followers.

He, who does not seek to serve a friend suffering from a calamity by trying to the best of his abilities, is said to be a cruel man by the wise.

A friend should be turned back from improper act even by seizing his hair. That being so, how can a man be blamed, if he strives with all his might.

It is proper therefore, O Vidura, for the son of Dhritarashtra along with his ministers to accept my blessed advice capable of doing good and consistent with morality and worldly profit.

With all sincerity shall I strive for the good of the sons of Dhritarashtra and of the Pandavas and indeed of the Kshatriya race of the world.

If Duryodhana suspects me, striving for his good as I do, I shall at least be satisfied with myself in my heart and I shall be discharging the debt (I owe them as a friend).

In a dispute between cousins, the friend who does not serve them as a mediator with all his might, is not said to be a friend at all by wise men.

In order that unrighteous, foolish and unfriendly people may not call me that Krishna though competent did not dissuade the Kurus and Pandavas inspired with rage against each other.

And for being of service to both the parties have I come here. And having made attempts in that direction I shall escape blame of men.

If after listening to my beneficial advice, they do not accept it, the fool will feel the consequence of his luck.

If without sacrificing the interests of the Pandavas I can bring about their peace with the Kurus, then I shall have done a meritorious act, O great-souled one; and the Kurus shall have been liberated from the shackles of death.

If the son of Dhritarashtra think well of the wise words spoken by me-words having their source in virtue and words leading to earthly good and words heading to the reverse of malice, for bringing about peace, then the Kurus too will worship and honour me.

Otherwise I tell you that not even all the rulers of the earth united together are capable of standing in my front like other animals before an enraged lion.

Vaishampayana said Having said these words that foremost of the Vrishnis and cause of the happiness of the Yadus, then laid down on his bed pleasant to the touch.