Sacred Concord

Mbh 12.307.1

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"'"Janaka said, 'Thou hast, O foremost of Rishis, said that Unity is the attribute of that which is Akshara (Indestructible) and variety or multiplicity is the attribute of what is known as Kshara (Destructible). I have not, however, clearly understood the nature of these two. Doubts are still lurking in my mind. Ignorant men look upon the Soul as endued with the incident of multiplicity. They, however that are possessed of knowledge and wisdom regard the Soul to be one and the same. I however, have a very dull understanding. I am, therefore, unable to comprehend how all this can happen. The causes also that thou hast assigned for the unity and the multiplicity of Akshara and Kshara I have almost forgotten in consequence of the restlessness of my understanding. I therefore, desire to hear thee once more discourse to me on those same incidents of unity and multiplicity, on him who is knowing, on what is destitute of knowledge, on Jiva-soul, Knowledge, Ignorance, Akshara, Kshara, and on the Sankhya and the Yoga systems, in detail and separately and agreeable to the truth.'
Mbh 12.307.1 · Mahabharata · SANTI PARVA

Themes in this passage

WisdomThe SoulDesireDoubtKarmaMeditationPovertyTruth

Wisdom in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Hellenism address it.

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15 · Bible · Proverbs
Without knowledge there is no meditation, without meditation there is no knowledge: he who has knowledge and meditation is near unto Nirvana.
Dhp 25.372 · Dhammapada · The Bhikshu (Mendicant)
He giveth wisdom unto whom He will, and he unto whom wisdom is given, he truly hath received abundant good. But none remember except men of understanding.
Quran 2:269 · Quran · The Cow
Then Helen thus: “Whom your discerning eyes Have singled out, is Ithacus the wise; A barren island boasts his glorious birth; His fame for wisdom fills the spacious earth.”
Iliad 3.22 · Iliad · 3

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