Section CCXLVIII - Karna urges Duryodhana to rise and not give up
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCXLVIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Kama, also known as Karna, advised King Duryodhana that his behavior of wanting to end his life because the Pandavas did not follow him into battle was childish. He reminded the king that it is the duty of those in the king's realm to support and assist him, regardless of past disagreements. Karna pointed out that the Pandavas, who are now under Duryodhana's control, should not be blamed for not accompanying him to battle. He urged the king to rise from his despair and not become a laughingstock among other rulers. Despite Karna's words, Duryodhana remained determined to end his life, refusing to leave his seat. Karna, loyal to the end, expressed his willingness to serve the king and stay by his side.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CCXLVIII - Karna urges Duryodhana to rise and not give up, have a look at the following articles:
Section CCXLVIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCXLVIII:
Why did Karna criticize Duryodhana's behavior?
Karna felt Duryodhana's sorrow was unwarranted and reminded him of his duty to lead and fight with the help of the Pandavas in his realm.
How did Duryodhana react to Karna's advice?
Duryodhana, determined to give up his life, chose not to heed Karna's words and remained seated in his sorrowful state.
Daily life: Karna urges Duryodhana to rise and not give up:
In the story, Karna advises King Duryodhana not to dwell in sorrow because of the assistance he received from the Pandavas after being defeated in battle. Karna's message highlights a significant principle: the importance of accepting help and the value of unity, especially during difficult times. This teaches that people living within a community or society should work together and support their leaders or peers, regardless of personal differences or past conflicts. Karna also emphasizes that facing setbacks with dignity and moving forward is better than giving in to despair or considering extreme actions like ending one’s life, as it can lead to ridicule or dishonor.
Applying this lesson to daily life involves recognizing the strength in community and teamwork. Instead of letting pride or previous rivalries hinder progress, one should embrace cooperation and assistance from others. It's crucial to remember that experiencing defeat or needing help is a part of life, not a cause for shame. Facing challenges with resilience and a positive attitude, as well as acknowledging the role of others in personal successes, can lead to growth and enhanced relationships. Accepting help graciously and contributing to the welfare of one’s community can foster a supportive and thriving environment for everyone involved.