Thou knowest, O holy one, that the regions created for me were all eternal. Why were all those regions of mine destroyed, O thou of great effulgence?” The Grandsire answered, saying, “Thy merit, augmented by a (virtuous) rule over thy subjects for many thousands of years and won by innumerable sacrifices and gifts, was exhausted by only one fault, in consequence of which thou wert hurled (from this region). That fault, O king of kings, was thy vanity for which thou hadst become an object of contempt with all the residents of heaven. O royal sage, this region can never be rendered eternal by vanity, or pride of strength, or malice, or deceitfulness, or deception. Never disregard those that are inferior, or superior, or in the middle station. There is not a greater sinner than he who is consumed by the fire of vanity. Those men that will converse upon this fall and re-ascension of thine, will, without doubt, be protected even if overtaken by calamity.”’Mbh 5.123.1b · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA
Mbh 5.123.1b
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
PrideThe DivineLeadershipCharityCreationDharmaDoubtKarma
Pride in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Hellenism, Buddhism and Islam address it.
Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.Proverbs 21:24 · Bible · Proverbs
“Where’s now the imperious vaunt, the daring boast, Of Greece victorious, and proud Ilion lost?”Iliad 13.21 · Iliad · 13
The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by vanity: therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from vanity brings great reward.Dhp 24.358 · Dhammapada · Thirst
And dutiful toward his parents. And he was not arrogant, rebellious.Quran 19:14 · Quran · Mary
See what all six traditions say about pride →
Search every tradition at once
Ask a question in your own words and see how six traditions answer it.