Sacred Concord

Mbh 13.141.16b

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

Others, called Chakracharas, are endued with cleansed souls and devoted to the practice of compassion. Righteous in their conduct and possessed of great sanctity, they live in the region of Soma. Thus residing near enough to the region of the Pitris, they duly subsist by drinking the rays of Soma. There are others called Samprakshalas and Asmkuttas and Dantolukhalas.[564] These live near the Soma-drinking deities and others that drink flames of fire. With their wedded spouses, and with passions under complete control, they too subsist upon the rays of Soma. They pour libations of clarified butter on the sacred fire, and adore the Pitris under proper forms. They also perform the well-known sacrifices. Even this is said to constitute their religion. The religion of the Rishis, O goddess, is always observed by those who are houseless and who are free to rove through every region including that of the gods. There are, again, other classes about whom I shall speak presently. Do thou listen. It is necessary that they who observe the different religions of the Rishis, should subjugate their passions and know the Soul. Indeed, in my opinion, lust and wrath should be completely conquered. With corn (wealth) acquired by the Unchha mode, they should discharge the following duties, viz., the pouring of libations on the sacred fire, occupying a fixed seat employing oneself the while in the sacrifice called Dharmaratri, performance of she Soma-sacrifice, acquisition of especial knowledge, the giving of sacrificial presents which forms the fifth, the daily performance of sacrifices, devotion to the worship of the Pitris and the deities, hospitality towards all.
Mbh 13.141.16b · Mahabharata · ANUSASANA PARVA

Themes in this passage

DesireWorshipDevotionDharmaThe SoulAngerCharityCompassion

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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