Mbh 12.79.2

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

"'Bhishma said, "It is laid down from those Brahmanas that are eligible as priests that they should be conversant with the Chhandas including the Samans, and all the rites inculcated in the Srutis, and that they should be able to perform all such religious acts as lead to the prosperity of the king. They should be devotedly loyal and utter agreeable speeches in addressing kings. They should also be friendly towards one another, and cast equal eyes on all. They should be devoid of cruelty, and truthful in speech. They should never be usurers, and should always be simple and sincere. One that is peaceful in temper, destitute of vanity, modest, charitable, self-restrained, and contented, possessed of intelligence, truthful, observant of vows, and harmless to all creatures, without lust and malice, and endued with the three excellent qualities, devoid of envy and possessed of knowledge, deserves the seat of Brahman himself. Persons with such qualities, O sire, are the best of priests and deserve every respect."

Mbh 12.79.2 · Mahabharata · SANTI PARVA

Themes in this passage

Leadership Truth Contentment Desire The Divine Friendship Nature Peace

Leadership in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Taoism and Hellenism address it.

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