Section CXLIV - Kunti seeks Karna’s support for the Pandavas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXLIV 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:
Vidura expresses his sorrow to Kunti over the impending war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, despite his efforts for peace. Kunti laments the destruction that will ensue due to the conflict, but recognizes the necessity of war to avoid poverty and humiliation. She plans to use her boon from the sage Durvasa to try and influence Karna, who is powerful and loyal to the Kauravas, to favor the Pandavas instead. Kunti then goes to the river Ganga where she hears her son Karna chanting Vedic hymns, and stands behind him to seek his attention, surprising him with her presence. Karna, impressed by Kunti's humility and virtues, greets her respectfully and asks for her reason for being there.
Full English translation:
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Section CXLIV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CXLIV:
What was Kunti's resolution when she heard Vidura's words of grief?
Kunti decided to reveal the truth about Karna and try to influence him.
Why did Karna feel surprised when he turned around after his prayers?
Karna was surprised to see Kunti standing behind him in shade.
What boon did the holy Durvasa give to Kunti in her maidenhood?
Durvasa gave Kunti a boon in the form of mantras for invoking gods.
Daily life: Kunti seeks Karna’s support for the Pandavas:
In this story, Kunti faces a moral dilemma that resonates with the conflicts we experience in our daily lives, especially when it comes to family and decisions that could lead to division or harm. Kunti's contemplation highlights the importance of seeking peace over conflict and underscores the weight of decisions that can lead to irreversible consequences. Her approach to resolving her predicament—with careful thought, consideration of consequences, and a direct appeal to shared bonds and common good—serves as a powerful lesson.
Implementing this in daily life means consciously choosing dialogue and reconciliation over conflict and division, particularly within families. It's about recognizing the power of our actions and words to either harm or heal and making a deliberate choice towards the latter. When confronted with tough decisions or conflicts, taking time to reflect on the potential outcomes and seeking solutions that prioritize mutual well-being and peace can transform relationships and outcomes. It entails embracing empathy, patience, and understanding, even in the face of adversity or opposition, drawing on the strength of shared history and the potential for a harmonious future as guiding principles.
Like Kunti, it's crucial to act with integrity and vision, considering not only the immediate benefits but also the long-term ramifications of our decisions on our relationships and communities. This story encourages us to face challenges with courage, wisdom, and a heart geared towards peace, reminding us that even in the face of daunting challenges, there is always a path that can lead to reconciliation and unity—if we choose to seek it.