DTH VIDUR-NARADA STORY SMB 1.13 X ROMD

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Here is a summary of the story of Vidura, Yudhiṣṭhira, Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Nārada as narrated in Srimad-Bhāgavatam, especially in Canto 1, Chapter 13. If you wish, I can also give you the Sanskrit verses and a more detailed commentary.

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Key Characters

• Vidura — half-brother of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Pāṇḍu; born of a maidservant through niyoga from Vyāsa; known for his wisdom and devotion. (vaniquotes.org)

• Dhṛtarāṣṭra — elder brother, blind from birth; king of Hastinapura; father of the Kauravas. (vaniquotes.org)

• Yudhiṣṭhira — son of Pāṇḍu; righteous king; interacts with Vidura about these matters. (vedabase.io)

• Nārada — divine sage; appears in this context as a counselor/guide. (vedabase.io)

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The Story: What Happens in SB 1.13

Here’s a narrative of the events as given in Srimad-Bhāgavatam (Canto 1, Chapter 13).

1. Vidura’s Pilgrimage and Realization
   Vidura leaves Hastinapura for a pilgrimage and receives spiritual knowledge from Sage Maitreya. He learns about the Self (ātman), realization, devotion (bhakti), etc. (vedabase.io)

2. Return to Hastinapura
   After his pilgrimage and spiritual study, Vidura returns. The Pandavas (Yudhiṣṭhira etc.), Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Gandhārī, and others receive him. (vedabase.io)

3. Vidura Instructions to Dhṛtarāṣṭra
   Vidura, being concerned for Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s spiritual welfare, addresses him saying that time (kāla, meaning death/time) is approaching, and that Dhṛtarāṣṭra is living in an illusion of old age, disease, etc. He urges him to renounce attachments and see the impermanence of material life. (vedabase.io)

   For example, one verse: “My dear King, please get out of here immediately. Do not delay. Just see how fear has overtaken you.” (PrabhupadaBooks.com)

4. Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Renunciation
   Convinced by introspective knowledge, Dhṛtarāṣṭra (and Gandhārī following him) leave the palace for a life of renunciation in the Himalayas. They depart without causing alarm among others. (vedabase.io)

5. Yudhiṣṭhira’s Concern & Nārada’s Appearance
   After their departure, Yudhiṣṭhira worries and wonders where they have gone. At that moment, Sage Nārada arrives, and Yudhiṣṭhira asks for guidance, seeking to know what has happened to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Gandhārī, and also Vidura. (vedabase.io)

6. Nārada’s Counsel
   Nārada comforts Yudhiṣṭhira, saying that one should not lament overly, since everything is under the control of the Supreme Lord. All beings are subject to time, karma, and the modes of material nature. He teaches impermanence, surrender, detachment, etc. (vedabase.io)

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Themes & Moral Teachings

• Impermanence: Life, health, position, relatives — all are subject to decay. Old age, disease, death are natural and inevitable. Vidura tries to awaken Dhṛtarāṣṭra to this. (vedabase.io)

• Detachment: As one’s life is nearing its end, attachment to bodily pleasures, power or family can become burdensome. Renunciation is portrayed not as escape but spiritual maturity. (vedabase.io)

• Guidance from wise persons: Vidura acts as a spiritual adviser, Nārada provides spiritual perspective to Yudhiṣṭhira. (vedabase.io)

• The role of time (kāla) as a force — in Bhāgavatam, kāla is often more than the clock­time: the cosmic dissolving, the force that ages everything. Vidura uses kāla as argument to persuade Dhṛtarāṣṭra. (vedabase.io)

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If you like, I can send you a literal translation of the Sanskrit verses (for example SB 1.13.18 etc.) or more of the dialogue. Do you want me to do that?