“Thereupon Arjuna answered, ‘I question not that you are able to slay them all. I also am alone capable of slaying them, O best of men. But you are an illustrious person in the world; and this renown will accompany you. I also am a suitor for fame; therefore, you have been selected by me. It hath been always my desire to have you for driving my car. I, therefore, ask you to fulfil my desire cherished for a long time.’Mbh 5.7.4 · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA
Mbh 5.7.4
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
Desire in other traditions
The same theme, as Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Islam address it.
From lust comes grief, from lust comes fear; he who is free from lust knows neither grief nor fear.Dhp 16.214 · Dhammapada · Pleasure
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.Philippians 4:17 · Bible · Philippians
If this transformation became to me an object of desire, I would express the desire by the nameless simplicity. Simplicity without a name Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their will. PART II.Tao Te Ching 37.3 · Tao Te Ching
And He it is Who hath appointed night and day in succession, for him who desireth to remember, or desireth thankfulness.Quran 25:62 · Quran · The Criterion
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