Sacred Concord

Mbh 5.169.4

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

“‘King Duryodhana then said unto Bhishma, of great prowess, “Cast thy eyes on me, O Ganga’s son! Great is the business that is at hand! Think earnestly as how I may be most benefited! Both of you will render me great services! I desire now to hear of the best car-warriors among the enemy, that is, of those that are Atirathas among them and of those that are leaders of car-division. O Kaurava, I desire to hear of the strength and weakness of my foes, since when this night will dawn, our great battle will take place.”’”
Mbh 5.169.4 · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA

Themes in this passage

DesireWarChildrenLeadershipStrength

Desire in other traditions

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

From lust comes grief, from lust comes fear; he who is free from lust knows neither grief nor fear.
Dhp 16.214 · Dhammapada · Pleasure
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Philippians 4:17 · Bible · Philippians
If this transformation became to me an object of desire, I would express the desire by the nameless simplicity. Simplicity without a name Is free from all external aim. With no desire, at rest and still, All things go right as of their will. PART II.
Tao Te Ching 37.3 · Tao Te Ching
And He it is Who hath appointed night and day in succession, for him who desireth to remember, or desireth thankfulness.
Quran 25:62 · Quran · The Criterion

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