Sadhyas

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.

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.