Dhritarashtra Privately Counsels Duryodhana Against Dice
Knowing his wise brother Vidura disapproves, King Dhritarashtra takes his son Duryodhana aside. He urges him to abandon the idea of gambling, listing all the prosperity and power Duryodhana already possesses, and demands to know the source of his son's swelling misery.
Knowing Vidura’s views, Dhritarashtra took his son aside for a private conversation. The king spoke plainly. “O Gandhari’s son, forget the dice. Vidura does not approve of it. The immensely intelligent one will not speak in vain.” Dhritarashtra believed what Vidura had said was for his own supreme welfare, and for Duryodhana’s too. He urged his son to act accordingly.
The king placed his trust in Vidura’s counsel. He explained that Vidura knew all the sacred texts, with their mysteries, that the illustrious devarshi Brihaspati — preceptor of the gods — had taught to the king of the gods. “I always follow his counsel,” Dhritarashtra said. “The intelligent Vidura is considered foremost among the Kurus.” He warned that dissension brings destruction to a kingdom, and told his son to give up the idea.
Then he listed everything Duryodhana already had. “You have obtained what the supreme texts say are what a son should obtain from his father and mother. You have obtained the rank of your father and grandfather. You have studied, you have become learned. You have always been reared at home. You are the eldest among your brothers and you have been established in the kingdom. Do you not consider this fortunate?”
The king pointed to his son’s material comfort — the best of food and garments, unobtainable by other men. “Having obtained this, why do you grieve?” This great kingdom of his father and grandfather was prospering. When Duryodhana ruled it, he shone like the lord of the gods in heaven. “I know you to be wise,” Dhritarashtra concluded. “Then what is the reason for this grief? Why is your misery swelling up? Tell me.”