Mbh 3.36.1

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

Vaisampayana said, “Hearing those words of Bhima, Yudhishthira. the son of Kunti--tiger among men and slayer of all foes--began to sigh heavily, and reflect in silence. And he thought within himself, ‘I have heard recited the duties of kings, also all truths about the duties of the different orders. He is said to observe those duties truly who keepeth them before his eyes, so as to regulate his conduct both in the present and the future. Knowing as I do the true course of virtue, which, however is so very difficult of being known, how can I forcibly grind virtue down like grinding the mountains of Meru? Having reflected so for a moment, and settled what he should do, he replied unto Bhima as follows without allowing him another word:

Mbh 3.36.1 · Mahabharata · VANA PARVA

Themes in this passage

Dharma Speech Children Leadership Nature

Dharma in other traditions

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

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1 John 3:7 · Bible · 1 John

Let no one forget his own duty for the sake of another's, however great; let a man, after he has discerned his own duty, be always attentive to his duty.

Dhp 12.166 · Dhammapada · Self

There shall be no sin (imputed) unto those who believe and do good works for what they may have eaten (in the past). So be mindful of your duty (to Allah), and believe, and do good works; and again: be mindful of your duty, and believe; and once again: be mindful of your duty, and do right. Allah loveth the good.

Quran 5:93 · Quran · The Food

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

See what all six traditions say about dharma →

Search every tradition at once

Ask a question in your own words and see how six traditions answer it.