Sacred Concord

Mbh 5.35.4b

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

He that speaketh a lie on account of an animal, casteth down from heaven five of his sires of the ascending order. He that speaketh a lie on account of a cow casteth down from heaven ten of his ancestors. A lie on account of a horse causeth the downfall of a hundred; and a lie on account of a human being, the downfall of a thousand of one’s sires of the ascending order. An untruth on account of gold ruineth the members of one’s race both born and unborn, while an untruth for the sake of land ruineth everything. Therefore, never speak an untruth for the sake of land.” Prahlada said, “Angiras is superior to myself, and Sudhanwan is superior to thee, O Virochana. The mother also of Sudhanwan is superior to thy mother; therefore, thou, O Virochana, hath been defeated by Sudhanwan. This Sudhanwan is now the master of thy life. But, O Sudhanwan, I wish that thou shouldst grant Virochana his life.” Sudhanwan said, “Since, O Prahlada, thou hast preferred virtue and hast not, from temptation, said an untruth, I grant thy son his life that is dear to thee. So here is thy son Virochana, O Prahlada, restored by me to thee. He shall, however, have to wash my feet in the presence of the maiden Kesini.”’
Mbh 5.35.4b · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA

Themes in this passage

TruthFamilySpeechChildrenThe DivineDharmaTemptationWealth

Truth in other traditions

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

Confound not truth with falsehood, nor knowingly conceal the truth.
Quran 2:42 · Quran · The Cow
They who know truth in truth, and untruth in untruth, arrive at truth, and follow true desires.
Dhp 1.12 · Dhammapada · The Twin-Verses
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17 · Bible · John
Stopp’d in the tumult Cleobulus lies, Beneath Oïleus’ arm, a living prize; A living prize not long the Trojan stood; The thirsty falchion drank his reeking blood: Plunged in his throat the smoking weapon lies; Black death, and fate unpitying, seal his eyes.
Iliad 16.33 · Iliad · 16

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