Sacred Concord

Mbh 3.11.4b

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

And beholding the Pandavas from a distance clad in black deer-skins, the Rakshasa obstructed their passage through the forest even like the Mainaka mountain. And at the sight of him never seen before the lotus-eyed Krishna, agitated with fear, closed her eyes. And she whose braids had been dishevelled by the hand of Dussasana, stationed in the midst of the five Pandavas, looked like a stream chafing amid five hills. And seeing her overwhelmed with fear the five Pandavas supported her as the five senses influenced by desire adhere to the pleasures relating to their objects. And Dhaumya of great (ascetic) energy, in the presence of the sons of Pandu, destroyed the fearful illusion that had been spread by the Rakshasa, by applying various mantras, calculated to destroy the Rakshasa. And beholding his illusion dispelled, the mighty Rakshasa of crooked ways, capable of assuming any form at will, expanded his eyes in wrath and seemed like death himself. Then king Yudhishthira, endued with great wisdom, addressed him saying, ‘Who art thou, and whose (son)? Tell us what we should do for thee.’ The Rakshasa thus addressed, answered Yudhishthira the just, saying, ‘I am the brother of Vaka, the celebrated Kirmira. I live at ease in these deserted woods of Kamyaka, daily procuring my food by vanquishing men in fight. Who are ye that have come near me in the shape of my food? Defeating ye all in fight, I will eat ye with pleasure.’
Mbh 3.11.4b · Mahabharata · VANA PARVA

Themes in this passage

FearChildrenWarAngerDeathDesireFamilyJustice

Fear in other traditions

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

They who fear when they ought not to fear, and fear not when they ought to fear, such men, embracing false doctrines, enter the evil path.
Dhp 22.317 · Dhammapada · The Downward Course
When the people do not fear what they ought to fear, that which is their great dread will come on them.
Tao Te Ching 72.1 · Tao Te Ching
It is only the devil who would make (men) fear his partisans. Fear them not; fear Me, if ye are true believers.
Quran 3:175 · Quran · The Family Of Imran
Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.
Isaiah 8:12 · Bible · Isaiah

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