In one of his discourses, Dr. Venkatesh explained that Vidura narrated to Dhritarashtra that certain actions undertaken by human beings may not yield desired results and may ultimately prove futile.
Teaching unworthy or undeserving disciples will never bear fruit. It becomes a sheer waste of time and energy for both the teacher and the student. A true teacher should discern a disciple’s capacity and receptiveness before imparting knowledge. If a teacher boasts about having taught an incapable student, such self-praise does not deserve admiration.
Likewise, a person should avoid unnecessary interaction with those who harbour dislike or hatred toward him, for such association will only lead to unpleasantness and discord. In the same way, if a man rescues a woman from danger, he should not glorify himself as a hero. Performing a noble act and then boasting about it diminishes its true value.
It is futile to seek or expect financial assistance from a miser, for such a person is unwilling to part with his wealth even for a worthy cause. Likewise, a person who praises himself and expects others to bestow name and fame upon him does not engage in a commendable or respectable act.
A person who involves himself in unwanted and undesirable activities out of arrogance or recklessness deserves condemnation. It is also useless to discuss a matter with someone who has neither trust nor interest in it. Similarly, making efforts to obtain something that is impossible to acquire is nothing but a futile exercise.
Undertaking charity merely for publicity cannot be appreciated, for true charity should be performed with humility and without seeking recognition. Making an effort to pacify an evil person who is consumed by anger will only end in failure. Likewise, slandering or mudslinging women is unacceptable and must always be avoided.
Published - March 16, 2026 05:17 am IST
