Sacred Concord

SV 2.1.4

Sama Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

1. Surya, thou mountest up to meet the hero famous for his wealth, Who hurls the bolt and works for man. 2. Whatever, Vritra-slayer! thou, Surya hast risen upon to-day, That, Indra, all is in thy power. 3. That Indra is our youthful friend, who with his trusty guidanceled Turvasa, Yadu from afar. 4. O Indra, let not ill designs surround us in the sunbeams' light This may we gain with thee for friend! 5. Indra, bring wealth that gives delight, the victor's ever-conquering wealth, Most excellent, to be our aid 6. In mighty battle we invoke Indra, Indra is lesser fight, The friend who bends his bolt at fiends. 7. In battle of a thousand arms Indra drank Kadru's Soma juice There he displayed his manly might. 8. Faithful to thee, we sing aloud, heroic Indra, songs to thee Mark, O good Lord, this act of ours! 9. Hitherward! they who light the flame and straightway trim the sacred grass, Whose friend is Indra ever young. 10. Drive all our enemies away, smite down the foes who press around, And bring the wealth for which we long!
SV 2.1.4 · Sama Veda · 2

Themes in this passage

FriendshipWarWealthStrengthThe DivineFaithJoyPrayer

Friendship in other traditions

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

Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends: have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.
Dhp 6.78 · Dhammapada · The Wise Man (Pandita)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 · Bible · Proverbs
And no familiar friend will ask a question of his friend
Quran 70:10 · Quran
With that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, And placed in seats with purple carpets spread. Then thus—“Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, Mix purer wine, and open every soul. Of all the warriors yonder host can send, Thy friend most honours these, and these thy friend.”
Iliad 9.16 · Iliad · 9

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