Sacred Concord

Mbh 5.96.2b

Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli

Acquiring wisdom, abandoning covetousness and pride, controlling thy soul, restraining thy passions, practising forgiveness and humility, and becoming amiable, O king, go, and cherish thy subjects. Without ascertaining the strength and weakness of men, never insult any one under any circumstances. Blessed be thou, and with our leave, go hence, and never again behave in this way. At our command, enquire thou always of the Brahmanas as to what is for thy good.” The king then, worshipping the feet of those two illustrious Rishis, returned to his city, and from that time began to practise righteousness. Great indeed, was that feat achieved of old by Nara. Narayana, again, became superior to Nara in consequence of many more qualities. Therefore, O king, besides such weapons as Kakudika, Suka, Naka, Akshisantarjana, Santana, Nartana, Ghora, and Asyamodaka, are placed on the string of that best of bows called Gandiva, go thou unto Dhananjaya, laying aside thy pride. Struck with these weapons, men always yield up their lives. Indeed, these weapons have other means corresponding with the eight passions, such as lust, wrath, covetousness, vanity, insolence, pride, malice, and selfishness. Struck with them, men are confounded, and move about frantically deprived of their senses. Under their influence, persons always sleep heavily, cut capers, vomit, pass urine and excreta, weep, and laugh incessantly. Indeed, that Arjuna is irresistible in fight, who hath for his friend Narayana--the Creator and Lord of all the worlds--fully acquainted with the course of everything. Who is there in the three worlds, O Bharata, who would venture to vanquish that hero--the Ape-bannered Jishnu--who hath no equal in battle? Countless are the virtues that reside in Partha. Janardana again, is superior to him. Thou art thyself well-acquainted with Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti. They that were Nara and Narayana in days of yore are now Arjuna and Kesava.
Mbh 5.96.2b · Mahabharata · UDYOGA PARVA

Themes in this passage

PrideDesireLeadershipThe DivineGreedWarAngerChildren

Pride in other traditions

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

Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.
Proverbs 21:24 · Bible · Proverbs
“Where’s now the imperious vaunt, the daring boast, Of Greece victorious, and proud Ilion lost?”
Iliad 13.21 · Iliad · 13
The fields are damaged by weeds, mankind is damaged by vanity: therefore a gift bestowed on those who are free from vanity brings great reward.
Dhp 24.358 · Dhammapada · Thirst
And dutiful toward his parents. And he was not arrogant, rebellious.
Quran 19:14 · Quran · Mary

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