Mbh 5.72.3

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

Vaisampayana said, “After Sanjaya had gone, Yudhishthira the just, addressed Krishna of the Dasarha race--that chief of all the Sattwatas, saying, ‘O thou that art devoted to friends, the time hath come for friends to show their friendship. I do not see any other persons besides thee that can save us in this season of distress. Relying on thee, O Madhava, we have fearlessly asked back our share from Duryodhana who is filled with immeasurable pride and from his counsellors. O chastiser of foes, thou protectest the Vrishnis in all their calamities, do thou now protect the Pandavas also from a great danger, for they deserve thy protection.’

Mbh 5.72.3 · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA

Themes in this passage

Friendship Protection Devotion Justice Love Pride Suffering

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 friend

Quran 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

See what all six traditions say about friendship →

Search every tradition at once

Ask a question in your own words and see how six traditions answer it.