Atreya

King Shala, son of Parikshit, pursues a deer and learns from his charioteer that only Vamadeva's Vamya horses are swift enough to catch it. He borrows them on condition of return, but after catching the deer, he decides to keep them — refusing the rishi's request and then Vamadeva's personal demand. Vamadeva warns him, and rakshasas arise and strike the king dead.

The Sadhyas, gods who can see the sage Atreya but cannot understand who he is, ask him to speak words full of wisdom. Atreya, in the form of a swan, delivers a discourse on self-control, non-retaliation, truthful and pleasant speech, and the three types of men — superior, medium, and worst.

Dhritarashtra, anxious about the coming conflict between his sons and the Pandavas, asks Vidura what makes a lineage great. Vidura responds with the ancient discourse of Atreya and the Sadhyas, then offers his own extensive advice on good conduct, friendship, grief, and the need to restrain Duryodhana and reconcile with the Pandavas.