Gathering wisdom from those skilled in policy, versed in legal treatises, and deeply grounded in history, it is said one must ensure flawless protection of counsel, ultimately deciding matters oneself. After hearing from heroes about dharma and artha, and reflecting either alone or with a learned Brahmin, the wise should arrive at a clear understanding before taking action. Secrets must be guarded; decisions should not be made with a third or any other person, for a secret shared with six ears is broken, as the treatises on policy teach. A leaked secret can destroy even wealth already within one’s grasp. Therefore, one must repeatedly weigh both one’s own opinion and that of others, adopting virtuous words, for the wise are never satisfied with mere surface understanding. Without knowledge of innermost secrets, without performing necessary harsh deeds, and without striking decisively—like a fisherman—great wealth remains unattainable. When an enemy’s force is weakened, diseased, damp, deprived of water, exhausted, overly trusting, or sluggish, that is the time to strike. Those seeking gain do not approach those who have already achieved their purpose, nor do they associate with them; thus, one must accomplish all objectives, leaving nothing unfinished. In both alliance and conflict, effort must be made without envy; prosperity requires enthusiasm and diligence. Neither friends nor enemies should perceive one’s undertakings; they should see only actions already begun or completed. One should act as if afraid until danger has not yet arrived, but when danger appears, strike as if fearless. Supporting an enemy struck down by fate leads only to ruin, much as a she-mule that conceives brings forth her own end. Foresight is essential—one should anticipate what is to come and what task lies ahead, never letting any purpose slip by through lack of discernment. Enthusiasm must be exerted by those seeking prosperity, carefully considering place, time, fate, and the three pursuits: duty, profit, and pleasure; yet, place and time are the foundation of success. A neglected enemy, though weak, takes root like a palm tree; like a fire left in the forest, he quickly grows great. Similarly, one who stirs himself like a small fire, even if he starts small, can consume a great accumulation as he grows. At the outset, one should speak pleasant words, promising, “I will give,” even if the promise is empty. Hope should be made dependent on time, and delays accomplished through obstacles; obstacles can be cited as reasons, or reasons as causes. Like a razor—sharp and timely—one should strike at enemies, concealed, stripping away their strength and cutting down adversaries. Just as you have conducted yourself wisely among the Pandavas and others, O best of the Kurus, so should you act in all matters, lest you sink. It is certain that one endowed with all virtues is superior; therefore, O king, protect yourself from the sons of Pandu. The sons of Pandu are your powerful rivals; let your policy be such that you do not suffer regret later. Having spoken thus, Kanika departed for his own house, and Dhritarashtra, the Kaurava king, was overcome with sorrow. Hearing Kanika’s counsel in full, Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni son of Subala, and Duhshasana as the fourth, once held a council together. With Dhritarashtra’s approval, they devised a cruel plan: the burning of Kunti and her sons. Vidura, wise in discerning intentions and understanding truth, perceived their scheme by their expressions and saw the evil in their minds. Knowing what must be known and devoted to the Pandavas’ welfare, Vidura resolved upon escape for Kunti and her sons. He prepared a sturdy boat, equipped with machinery, bearing a flag, able to withstand wind and waves, and spoke to Kunti: “Dhritarashtra, born in this lineage, has become the destroyer of its fame and line; overwhelmed in spirit, he abandons eternal righteousness. This boat, fit for the waterway and able to endure waves and wind, will free you, O auspicious one, together with your sons, from the noose of death.” Hearing this, Kunti, renowned and distressed, together with her sons, boarded the boat and departed upon the Ganga. Following Vidura’s words, the Pandavas launched the boat, took the wealth given to them, and entered the forest unharmed. Meanwhile, in the house, the Nishada woman and her five sons, who had come for a reason, were burned together, though innocent. The wicked Purochana, lowest among outcasts, was also burned; and the evil-hearted Dhartarashtras, along with their followers, were deceived. Unknown to the people, the great-souled Kaunteyas, unharmed with their mother, were freed by Vidura’s counsel. In the city of Varanavata, the people, seeing the burned house of lac, grieved in sorrow. They sent someone to inform the king of what had happened; believing their great desire fulfilled, they thought the Pandavas had perished. “Be satisfied, O Kaurava, enjoy the kingdom with your sons!” they said. Hearing this, Dhritarashtra grieved together with his son. He performed the funeral rites with his relatives for the Pandavas, as did the charioteer and Bhishma, best of the Kurus. Once more, O best of twice-born, I wish to hear in detail the burning of the house of lac and the escape of the Pandavas. This act, cruelly devised yet compassionate in outcome, tell me as it happened; my curiosity is very great.