Dhritarashtra Summons Vidura for Counsel
Tormented by anxiety after Sanjaya's return from the Pandavas, Dhritarashtra orders the gatekeeper to bring Vidura. When Vidura arrives, the king confesses his sleeplessness and burning mind, asking for advice on dharma and artha — setting the stage for a lengthy philosophical teaching.
The immensely wise Dhritarashtra, lord of the earth, told the gatekeeper: "I wish to see Vidura. Bring him here immediately."
Having been sent by Dhritarashtra, the messenger told Kshatta: "O immensely wise one! Our lord, the great king, wishes to see you."
Having been thus addressed, Vidura went to the king's palace and said: "O gatekeeper! Inform Dhritarashtra that I am here."
The gatekeeper said: "O Indra among kings! On your instructions, Vidura has arrived. He wishes to see your feet. Instruct me about what he should do."
Dhritarashtra replied: "Allow the immensely wise and far-sighted Vidura to enter. I am always ready to see Vidura."
The gatekeeper said: "O Kshatta! Enter the inner quarters of the wise and great king. The king has told me that he is always ready to see you."
Vidura then entered Dhritarashtra's abode. He joined his hands in salutation and told the lord of men, who was immersed in thought: "O immensely wise one! I am Vidura and I have arrived here on your instructions. Please tell me if there is anything that I should do."
Dhritarashtra said: "O Vidura! Sanjaya has returned. He has left after berating me. He will recount Ajatashatru's words in the midst of the assembly hall. I do not yet know the words that brave one among the Kurus has addressed towards me. Therefore, my body is burning and I am suffering from sleeplessness. What do you think should be heard by someone who is awake and whose mind is burning? O son! Tell me. You are knowledgeable about dharma and artha. Ever since Sanjaya has returned after meeting the Pandavas, I am unable to obtain the peace of mind that I should. All my senses are distracted now. I am reflecting about what he is going to say."
Vidura replied: "If a weak one is attacked by a stronger enemy, if one's faculties are weak, if one has lost everything to a lecher or a thief, one is overcome by sleeplessness. O lord among men! It is certain that you have not been touched by these great calamities. Nor can you be tormented because you are covetous of the riches of others."
Dhritarashtra said: "I wish to hear from you words about dharma and about that which leads to supreme welfare. In this lineage of rajarshi s, you are the only one who is regarded as wise." Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 696