Once, an ascetic found himself facing the consequences of a seemingly insignificant childhood act. Dharma explained to him, “O ascetic, you had inserted a blade of grass into the tails of insects; this is the fruit of your action.” Dharma continued, “Just as even a small gift given can multiply and yield great rewards, so too does unrighteousness, O sage, bring forth manifold painful results.” The ascetic, bewildered, asked, “At what time did I commit that act? Please tell me truly.” And Dharma replied, “You did it in your childhood.” Dharma then clarified, “Whatever a child does before twelve years from birth is not considered unrighteous, for at that age one does not even know the directions.” The ascetic protested, “For a slight offense, you have imposed a great punishment upon me; the killing of a Brahmin is heavier than the killing of all creatures.” Then, the ascetic declared, “O Dharma, you will be born as a human in the womb of a Shudra. Today I establish a rule in the world regarding the arising of the fruit of actions: up to fourteen years of age, there will be no sin; only after that will fault arise for those who act wrongly.” Because of this curse, Dharma, that great soul, was born as Vidura in the womb of a Shudra. Vidura grew up skilled in righteousness and wealth, free from greed and anger, far-sighted, devoted to peace, and ever engaged in the welfare of the Kurus. When Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the great Vidura were born, the land of the Kurus and the sacred region of Kurukshetra flourished alongside them. The earth yielded abundant crops, grains bore fruit, and rain fell in its season; trees blossomed and produced plentiful flowers and fruits. Vehicles rolled joyfully, wild animals and birds were delighted, garlands were fragrant, and fruits brimmed with flavor. The cities teemed with merchants and artisans. Heroes, those skilled in knowledge, and the virtuous were happy. There were no robbers, nor people inclined to unrighteousness; even in the farthest regions of the kingdom, a golden age prevailed. At that time, the people, devoted to righteous acts, sacrificial rites, and the observance of truth, flourished together, united by mutual affection. Men were free from pride and anger, untouched by greed; they rejoiced in one another, and the highest righteousness prevailed. The city shone, vast and full like a great ocean, adorned with gates, arches, and exits resembling masses of clouds. Hundreds of palaces crowded its streets, resembling the city of Indra, and its joyful people delighted in the rivers, forests, ponds, marshes, and beautiful groves. The southern Kurus and the northern Kurus moved about in friendly rivalry, just like divine sages and celestial beings. In that delightful land, made populous by the Kurus, there was no one destitute, nor were there any widowed women. Wells, gardens, assembly halls, ponds, and Brahmin dwellings, all endowed with every prosperity, were ever festive in that kingdom. With Bhishma protecting all sides in accordance with dharma, the land became beautiful, marked by hundreds of shrines and sacrificial posts. That country, surpassing all others, grew in strength; under Bhishma’s rule, the wheel of righteousness was set in motion. As the great-souled princes performed their duties, all the citizens and country people became exceedingly eager. In the houses of the chief Kurus and the townspeople, the words “Give” and “Enjoy” were heard everywhere. Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the wise Vidura were cared for by Bhishma from birth, as if they were his own sons. They were refined through ceremonies, engaged in vows and study, skilled in exertion and exercise, and thus attained youth. They mastered the science of archery, the Vedas, mace combat, sword and shield, elephant training, and the treatises on polity. In histories, ancient tales, and various sciences they were instructed; knowing the essence of the Vedas and their branches, they were resolute in all matters. Devoted to Vedic study and accomplished in the science of polity, King Dhritarashtra of the Kauravas was anointed by Bhishma. In archery, horseback riding, mace combat, sword and shield, elephant training, and various weapons, he was thoroughly trained. When Pandu had mastered the various sciences, especially those concerning wealth and righteousness, he was appointed commander of the army. Pandu, valiant with the bow, surpassed other men; Dhritarashtra, the king, was stronger than the rest. Though still a boy, Vidura, renowned for his virtue, was made by Bhishma the chief adviser in all matters of dharma for the king. A youth skilled in intellect, wisdom, and learning, knowing the true essence of all the scriptures, Vidura comprehended the entire world through reasoning and tradition. In the three worlds, there was none equal to Vidura; ever devoted to righteousness, he attained the highest dharma. Seeing the line of Shantanu restored after its destruction, a saying spread throughout all the kingdoms. Bhishma, son of the Kashi princess, was the foremost among the knowers of dharma and the ancient Gajasahvaya of the Kurujangala region. Because Dhritarashtra was blind, he did not accept the kingdom; and since Vidura was born of a serving woman, Pandu became king. Then, the son of Sagara heard from the Brahmins about the daughter of King Kuntibhoja, endowed with beauty and youth.