Sacred Concord

Ramayana 4.235

Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

To him the lady of the cave In words like these her answer gave: "Skilled Maya framed in days of old This magic wood of growing gold. The chief artificer in place Was he of all the Danav race. He, for his wise enchantments famed, This glorious dwelling planned and framed He for a thousand years endured The sternest penance, and secured From Brahma of all boons the best, The knowledge Usanas(752) possessed. Lord, by that boon, of all his will, He fashioned all with perfect skill; And, with his blissful state content, In this vast grove a season spent. By Indra's jealous bolt he fell For loving Hema's(753) charms too well. And Brahma on that nymph bestowed The treasures of this fair abode, Wherein her tranquil days to spend In happiness that ne'er may end. Sprung of a lineage old and high, Merusavarni's(754) daughter, I Guard ever for that heavenly dame This home, Svayamprabha(755) my name,-- For I have loved the lady long, So skilled in arts of dance and song. But say what cause your steps has led The mazes of this grove to tread. How, strangers did ye chance to spy The wood concealed from wanderer's eye? Tell clearly why ye come: but first Eat of this fruit and quench your thirst."
Ramayana 4.235 · Ramayana · 4

Themes in this passage

LoveWisdomChildrenContentmentThe DivineJoyPatiencePeace

Love in other traditions

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

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
Luke 6:32 · Bible · Luke
From affection comes grief, from affection comes fear; he who is free from affection knows neither grief nor fear.
Dhp 16.213 · Dhammapada · Pleasure
Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
Quran 3:31 · Quran · The Family Of Imran
Then he: “O prince! allied in blood and fame, Dearer than all that own a brother’s name; Of all that Hecuba to Priam bore, Long tried, long loved: much loved, but honoured more! Since you, of all our numerous race alone Defend my life, regardless of your own.”
Iliad 22.22 · Iliad · 22

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