Sacred Concord

Mbh 1.5.6

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

“Sauti replied, ‘Bhrigu had a wife named Puloma whom he dearly loved. She became big with child by Bhrigu. And one day while the virtuous continent Puloma was in that condition, Bhrigu, great among those that are true to their religion, leaving her at home went out to perform his ablutions. It was then that the Rakshasa called Puloma came to Bhrigu’s abode. And entering the Rishi’s abode, the Rakshasa saw the wife of Bhrigu, irreproachable in everything. And seeing her he became filled with lust and lost his senses. The beautiful Puloma entertained the Rakshasa thus arrived, with roots and fruits of the forest. And the Rakshasa who burnt with desire upon seeing her, became very much delighted and resolved, O good sage, to carry her away who was so blameless in every respect.
Mbh 1.5.6 · Mahabharata · ADI PARVA

Themes in this passage

DesireMarriageChildrenDharmaLoveNature

Desire in other traditions

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

From lust comes grief, from lust comes fear; he who is free from lust knows neither grief nor fear.
Dhp 16.214 · Dhammapada · Pleasure
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Philippians 4:17 · Bible · Philippians
If this transformation became to me an object of desire, I would express the desire by the nameless simplicity. Simplicity without a name Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their will. PART II.
Tao Te Ching 37.3 · Tao Te Ching
And He it is Who hath appointed night and day in succession, for him who desireth to remember, or desireth thankfulness.
Quran 25:62 · Quran · The Criterion

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