Sacred Concord

AV 3.14

Atharva Veda · translated by Maurice Bloomfield

1. Hither shall come the cattle which have strayed to a distance, whose companionship Vâyu (the wind) enjoys! (The cattle) whose structure of form Tvashtar knows, Savitar shall hold in place in this stable! 2. To this stable the cattle shall flow together, Brihaspati skilfully shall conduct them hither! Sînîvâlî shall conduct hither their van: do thou, O Anumati, hold them in place after they have arrived! 3. May the cattle, may the horses, and may the domestics flow together; may the increase of the grain flow together! I sacrifice with an oblation that causeth to flow together! 4. I pour together the milk of the cows, I pour together strength and sap with the ghee. Poured together shall be our heroes, constant shall be the cows with me the owner of the cows! 5. I bring hither the milk of the cows, I have brought hither the sap of the grain. Brought hither are our heroes, brought hither to this house are our wives.
AV 3.14 · Atharva Veda · 3

Themes in this passage

FriendshipMarriageNatureStrengthWorshipKarma

Friendship in other traditions

The same theme, as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.

Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.
Dhp 6.78 · Dhammapada · The Wise Man (Pandita)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 · Bible · Proverbs
And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend
Quran 70:10 · Quran
With that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, And placed in seats with purple carpets spread. Then thus—“Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, Mix purer wine, and open every soul. Of all the warriors yonder host can send, Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.”
Iliad 9.16 · Iliad · 9

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