"'Yudhishthira said, "O grandsire, O thou that art possessed of great wisdom, I shall ask thee a question. It behoveth thee, O enhancer of the happiness of the Kurus, to discourse to me fully upon it. What kind of men are said to be of gentle disposition? With whom may the most delightful friendship exist? Tell us also who are able to do good in the present time and in the end. I am of opinion that neither swelling wealth, nor relatives, nor kinsmen, occupy that place which well-wishing friends occupy. A friend capable of listening to beneficial counsels, and also of doing good, is exceedingly rare. It behoveth thee, O foremost of virtuous men, to discourse fully on these topics."Mbh 12.168.1 · Mahabharata · SANTI PARVA
Mbh 12.168.1
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
FriendshipDharmaWealthWisdomCompassionMercy
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 friendQuran 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
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