Janamejaya said, “Interminably wedded to evil, blinded by avarice, addicted to wicked courses, resolved upon bringing destruction on his head, inspiring grief in the hearts of kinsmen, enhancing the woes of friends, afflicting all his well-wishers, augmenting the joys of foes, and treading the wrong path, why did not his friends seek to restrain him, and why also did not that great friend (of Kuru’s race), the holy One with tranquil soul, or the Grandsire tell him anything from affection?”Mbh 5.106.1 · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA
Mbh 5.106.1
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
FriendshipGreedGriefLoveMarriagePeaceSelf-ControlSin
Friendship in other traditions
The same theme, as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.
Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.Dhp 6.78 · Dhammapada · The Wise Man (Pandita)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.Proverbs 18:24 · Bible · Proverbs
And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friendQuran 70:10 · Quran
With that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, And placed in seats with purple carpets spread. Then thus—“Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, Mix purer wine, and open every soul. Of all the warriors yonder host can send, Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.”Iliad 9.16 · Iliad · 9
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