“Yudhishthira said, ‘Blessed are we since the people with the Brahmanas at their head, moved by affection and compassion credit us with merits we have not. I, however, with my brothers, would ask all of you to do one thing. Ye should not, through affection and pity for us, act otherwise! Our grandfather Bhishma, the king (Dhritarashtra), Vidura, my mother and most of my well-wishers, are all in the city of Hastinapura. Therefore, if ye are minded to seek our welfare, cherish ye them with care, uniting together as they are overwhelmed with sorrow and afflictions. Grieved at our departure, ye have come far! Go ye back, and let your hearts be directed with tenderness towards the relatives I entrust to you as pledges! This, of all others, is the one act upon which my heart is set, and by doing this ye would give me great satisfaction and pay me your best regards!Mbh 3.1.8 · Mahabharata · VANA PARVA
Mbh 3.1.8
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
CompassionGriefLoveCharityFamilyLeadershipPovertyRepentance
Compassion in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Taoism, Islam and Buddhism address it.
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.2 Peter 1:7 · Bible · 2 Peter
Thus it was that when the Tao was lost, its attributes appeared; when its attributes were lost, benevolence appeared; when benevolence was lost, righteousness appeared; and when righteousness was lost, the proprieties appeared.Tao Te Ching 38.5 · Tao Te Ching
And compassion from Our presence, and purity; and he was devout,Quran 19:13 · Quran · Mary
The disciples of Gotama are always well awake, and their mind day and night always delights in compassion.Dhp 21.300 · Dhammapada · Miscellaneous
See what all six traditions say about compassion →
Search every tradition at once
Ask a question in your own words and see how six traditions answer it.