Vaisampayana continued, “Having listened to these words of the king, all the citizens with auspicious things in hand, and many amongst them with cymbals and trumpets and conchs, and beautiful women attired in gorgeous robes, and reciters of auspicious and sacred hymns, accompanied by encomiasts and minstrels, and drummers and other kinds of musicians issued forth from the city of the mighty Virata to welcome Uttara of immeasurable prowess. And having despatched troops and maidens and courtesans decked in ornaments, the wise king of the Matsyas cheerfully said these words, ‘O Sairindhri, fetch the dice. And, O Kanka, let the play commence.’ The son of Pandu replied, saying, ‘We have heard it said that one whose heart is filled with joy should not play with a cunning gambler. I do not therefore, dare gamble with thee that are so transported with joy. I am ever desirous of doing what is for thy good. Let the play, however, commence if it pleases thee.’Mbh 4.67.6 · Mahabharata · VIRATA PARVA
Mbh 4.67.6
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
JoyLeadershipSpeechChildrenStrengthWisdom
Joy in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hellenism address it.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.Luke 1:14 · Bible · Luke
Those who believe and do right: Joy is for them, and bliss (their) journey's end.Quran 13:29 · Quran
Forests are delightful; where the world finds no delight, there the passionless will find delight, for they look not for pleasures.Dhp 7.99 · Dhammapada · The Venerable (Arhat)
He said, and placed the goblet at his side; With joy the venerable king replied:Iliad 23.46 · Iliad · 23
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