Sacred Concord

Mbh 13.118.2

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"'"The worm said, 'My present status is that high one which is coveted by all and which is attainable by the possession of the ten well-known attributes. Indeed, I who was formerly a worm have thus attained to the status of a prince. Elephants of great strength, decked with golden chains, bear me on their backs. Unto my cars are yoked Kamvoja steeds of high mettle. Numerous vehicles, unto which are attached camels and mules, bear me. With all my relatives and friends I now eat food rich with meat. Worshipped by all, I sleep, O highly blessed one, on costly beds in delightful rooms into which disagreeable winds cannot blow. Towards the small hours of every night, Sutas and Magadhas and encomiasts utter my praises even as the deities utter the agreeable praises of Indra, their chief. Through the grace of thyself that art firm in truth and endued with immeasurable energy, I who was before a worm have now become a person of the royal order. I bow my head to thee, O thou of great wisdom. Do thou command me as to what I should do now. Ordained by the puissance of thy penances, even this happy status hath now become mine!'
Mbh 13.118.2 · Mahabharata · ANUSASANA PARVA

Themes in this passage

AttachmentDharmaFriendshipLeadershipMercyStrengthTruthWealth

Attachment in other traditions

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

If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no thieves nor robbers.
Tao Te Ching 19.1 · Tao Te Ching
Those whose mind is well grounded in the (seven) elements of knowledge, who without clinging to anything, rejoice in freedom from attachment, whose appetites have been conquered, and who are full of light, are free (even) in this world.
Dhp 6.89 · Dhammapada · The Wise Man (Pandita)
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 · Bible · Colossians
And they sold him for a low price, a number of silver coins; and they attached no value to him.
Quran 12:20 · Quran · Joseph

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