Sacred Concord

Mbh 5.6.1b

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

This course seems expedient in this wise. On your meeting with Dhritarashtra it is possible that Dhritarashtra may do what you say. And as you are virtuous, you must therefore act virtuously towards them. And to the compassionate, you must descant upon the various hardships that the Pandavas have endured. And you must estrange the hearts of the aged persons by discoursing upon the family usages which were followed by their forefathers. I do not entertain the slightest doubt in this matter. Nor need you be apprehensive of any danger from them, for you are a Brahmana, versed in the Vedas; and you are going thither as an ambassador, and more specially, you are an aged man. Therefore, I ask you to set out without delay towards the Kauravas with the object of promoting the interests of the Pandavas, timing your departure under the (astrological) combination called Pushya and at that part of the day called Jaya.’”
Mbh 5.6.1b · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA

Themes in this passage

CompassionDharmaDoubtFamilyPatienceWisdom

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

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