Vidur Niti: Mahatma Vidur, a sage from the Mahabharata period, outlined in his policies certain actions that shorten a person's lifespan. It is believed that engaging in these actions gradually shortens a person's lifespan. These vices lead to a person's destruction. Let's explore what those actions should not be.

Vidur Niti : The Mahabharata war took place in the Dwapar Yuga. At that time, there was a scholar whose principles are as relevant today as they were then. These principles of Mahatma Vidur also teach the art of living. Vidur Niti reveals many profound truths related to human conduct, behavior, and life. In his principles, Mahatma Vidur also sheds light on the causes of longevity and shortness of life.

Vidur Neeti

According to the Mahabharata, King Dhritarashtra of Hastinapur wondered: If the Vedas and scriptures state a human lifespan of 100 years, why do most people fail to live their full lifespan? Mahatma Vidur answered this question very clearly. He outlined some of the ways that lead to a person's downfall.

Dhritarashtra's question

Dhritrashtra asks Mahatma Vidur that when the scriptures say that man has a long life, then why does man have a short life?

Mahatma Vidur's answer

Mahatma Vidura says that a person's lifespan is shortened not by any external factors, but by their own faults and actions. He mentions six faults that gradually shorten a person's lifespan. These lead to a downfall that is difficult to recover from.

Extreme pride

According to Vidura Niti, pride is the first and most dangerous human vice. When a person considers themselves superior to others because of their position, wealth, knowledge, or power, they become a victim of pride.

Such a person despises others, insult them, and his enemies multiply. Ultimately, this pride leads to his downfall and shortened life.

Speaking more

A person who speaks excessively and indulges in meaningless talk often says things that lead to arguments and hostility. According to Vidur Niti, unrestrained speech destroys a person's reputation, mental peace, and social relationships. A person who speaks too much is neither loved by the intelligent, nor does his word have any impact, making his life stressful. Such people tend to have shorter lifespans.

Anger means anger

Anger is described as humanity's greatest enemy in Vidur Neeti. In anger, a person loses his sense of reason and commits acts whose consequences last a lifetime. The scriptures call anger the gateway to hell. Excessive anger causes mental stress, illness, and unrest, which shortens lifespan.

Lack of sacrifice

Lack of renunciation is also considered a major flaw that shortens a person's lifespan. A person who is immersed solely in worldly pleasures, wealth, and worldly comforts gradually loses his life. According to Vidur Neeti, the downfall of characters like Ravana and Duryodhana was due to their lack of a spirit of renunciation. Renunciation prolongs life, while attachment shortens it.

Selfishness means greed

Selfishness and greed are said to be the root of unrighteousness. Selfish pursuits of wealth, land, power, or profit lead a person to sin. Selfish individuals do not hesitate to harm others, which leads to the breakdown of relationships and increased unrest in life. According to Vidur Neeti, a selfish person's lifespan is shortened.

Treason

Betrayal, i.e., betraying a friend, is considered the gravest sin. In the scriptures, friends are described as the strength of life. A person who betrays their friends finds their life filled with fear, stress, and loneliness. According to Vidur Neeti, the life of a betrayer becomes like hell.

What does Vidur Neeti say?

These six vices, described by Mahatma Vidura: pride, excessive talk, anger, lack of renunciation, selfishness, and betrayal, are interconnected. One vice gives rise to another. According to Vidura Niti, if a person avoids these vices and adopts restraint, renunciation, peace, and harmony, he not only enjoys longevity but also lives a happy and balanced life.