“Sanat-sujata said, ‘Indeed, he that is without knowledge proceedeth thither by the path indicated by thee, and the Vedas also declare that thither are both bliss and emancipation. But he that regardeth the material body to be self, if he succeeds in renouncing desire, at once attaineth emancipation (or Brahman). If, however, one seeketh emancipation without renouncing desire, one must have to proceed along the (prescribed) route of action, taking care to destroy the chances of his retracing the routes that he hath once passed over.’[4]Mbh 5.42.4 · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA
Mbh 5.42.4
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
LiberationDesireThe DivineJoyKarmaWisdom
Liberation in other traditions
The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hellenism address it.
And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.Ruth 4:4 · Bible · Ruth
And when Our commandment came to pass We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a mercy from Us; We saved them from a harsh doom.Quran 11:58 · Quran · Hud
These wise people, meditative, steady, always possessed of strong powers, attain to Nirvana, the highest happiness.Dhp 2.23 · Dhammapada · On Earnestness
And Ulysses said, “Nausicaa, daughter of great Alcinous, may Jove the mighty husband of Juno, grant that I may reach my home; so shall I bless you as my guardian angel all my days, for it was you who saved me.”Odyssey 8.44 · Odyssey · 8
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