Vaisampayana said, “Upon the failure of Krishna’s solicitations (for peace), and after he had started for the Pandavas from the Kurus, Kshatri approached Pritha and said these words slowly in grief, ‘O mother of living children, thou knowest that my inclination is always for peace, and although I cry myself hoarse, yet Suyodhana doth not accept my words. King Yudhishthira, having the Chedis, the Panchalas, and the Kekayas, Bhima and Arjuna, Krishna, Yuyudhana, and the twins for his allies, stayeth yet at Upaplavya, and from affection for kinsmen, looketh up to righteousness only, like a weak man, though he is possessed of great strength. King Dhritarashtra here, though old in years, doth not effect peace, and intoxicated with pride of children, treadeth a sinful path. In consequence of the wickedness of Jayadratha and Karna and Dussasana and Suvala’s son, intestine dissensions will break out. They that behave unrighteously towards him that is righteous, verily that sin of theirs soon produceth its consequences. Who is there that will not be filled with sorrow at the sight of the Kurus persecuting righteousness in this way? When Kesava returneth without being able to bring about peace, the Pandavas will certainly address themselves for battle. Thereupon, the sin of the Kurus will lead to a destruction of heroes. Reflecting on all this, I do not get sleep by day or by night.’Mbh 5.144.1 · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA
Mbh 5.144.1
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
PeaceSinChildrenDharmaJusticeGriefLeadershipSpeech
Peace in other traditions
The same theme, as Islam, Christianity, Taoism and Buddhism address it.
(Naught) but the saying: Peace, (and again) Peace.Quran 56:26 · Quran
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.Jeremiah 6:14 · Bible · Jeremiah
(To illustrate from) the case of all females:--the female always overcomes the male by her stillness. Stillness may be considered (a sort of) abasement.Tao Te Ching 61.2 · Tao Te Ching
Happy is the arising of the awakened, happy is the teaching of the True Law, happy is peace in the church, happy is the devotion of those who are at peace.Dhp 14.194 · Dhammapada · The Buddha (The Awakened)
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