“Yayati answered, ‘After the dissolution of the body, man, according to his acts, re-entereth the womb of his mother and stayeth there in an indistinct form, and soon after assuming a distinct and visible shape reappeareth in the world and walketh on its surface. This is that Earth-hell (Bhauma) where he falleth, for he beholdeth not the termination of his existence and acteth not towards his emancipation. Some dwell for sixty thousand years, some, for eighty-thousand years in heaven, and then they fall. And as they fall, they are attacked by certain Rakshasas in the form of sons, grandsons, and other relatives, that withdraw their hearts from acting for their own emancipation.’Mbh 1.90.5 · Mahabharata · ADI PARVA
Mbh 1.90.5
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
LiberationChildrenThe DivineFamilyDeath
Liberation in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hellenism address it.
And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.Ruth 4:4 · Bible · Ruth
And when Our commandment came to pass We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us; We saved them from a harsh doom.Quran 11:58 · Quran · Hud
These wise people, meditative, steady, always possessed of strong powers, attain to Nirvana, the highest happiness.Dhp 2.23 · Dhammapada · On Earnestness
And Ulysses said, “Nausicaa, daughter of great Alcinous, may Jove the mighty husband of Juno, grant that I may reach my home; so shall I bless you as my guardian angel all my days, for it was you who saved me.”Odyssey 8.44 · Odyssey · 8
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