Mbh 4.21.1d

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

--I have heard it from Brahmanas expounding the duties of the several orders that a Kshatriya hath no other duty than subduing enemies. Alas, Kichaka kicked me in the very presence of Yudhishthira the Just, and also of thyself, O Bhimasena of mighty strength. It was thou, O Bhima, that didst deliver me from the terrible Jatasura. It was thou also that with thy brothers didst vanquish Jayadratha. Do thou now slay this wretch also who hath insulted me. Presuming upon his being a favourite of the king, Kichaka, O Bharata, hath enhanced my woe. Do thou, therefore, smash this lustful wight even like an earthen pot dashed upon a stone. If, O Bharata, tomorrow’s sun sheds his rays upon him who is the source of many griefs of mine, I shall, surely, mixing poison (with some drink), drink it up,--for I never shall yield to Kichaka. Far better it were, O Bhima, that I should die before thee.’”

Mbh 4.21.1d · Mahabharata · VIRATA PARVA

Themes in this passage

Dharma Strength Death Justice Leadership Liberation Nature Protection

Dharma in other traditions

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

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

1 John 3:7 · Bible · 1 John

Let no one forget his own duty for the sake of another's, however great; let a man, after he has discerned his own duty, be always attentive to his duty.

Dhp 12.166 · Dhammapada · Self

There shall be no sin (imputed) unto those who believe and do good works for what they may have eaten (in the past). So be mindful of your duty (to Allah), and believe, and do good works; and again: be mindful of your duty, and believe; and once again: be mindful of your duty, and do right. Allah loveth the good.

Quran 5:93 · Quran · The Food

Thus it was that when the Tao was lost, its attributes appeared; when its attributes were lost, benevolence appeared; when benevolence was lost, righteousness appeared; and when righteousness was lost, the proprieties appeared.

Tao Te Ching 38.5 · Tao Te Ching

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