Section CXLVI - Karna's Decision: Mother's Plea vs Duty of a Warrior
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXLVI 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:
Kunti revealed to Karna that she was his birth mother, and he was actually the eldest son of Kunti herself, born before her marriage. Despite the revelation, Karna remained steadfastly loyal to his adopted family, the Kauravas, and refused to switch sides to join the Pandavas. Surya, Karna's father, also appeared and urged him to follow his mother's words, but Karna remained firm in his decision. He pledged to fight only against Arjuna, sparing the lives of his other brothers, in a show of loyalty and honor towards his adoptive family.
Karna expressed his deep-seated resentment towards Kunti for abandoning him at birth, leaving him without the privileges and recognition due to a Kshatriya. He expressed his fear of being seen as a coward if he were to switch sides to join the Pandavas on the eve of battle. He believed that fighting alongside the Kauravas, who had treated him well and respected him, was the right choice for him, despite his true lineage. Karna's decision was influenced by his desire to uphold his loyalty and the expectations placed upon him.
Kunti tried to persuade Karna to consider the possibility of the Kauravas being defeated in the battle and urged him to remember the pledge of safety he had granted to his brothers. Karna's determination to fight against Arjuna, the greatest warrior among the Pandavas, remained unshaken, and he maintained his commitment to his chosen path. Despite the emotional turmoil and conflicting loyalties, Karna and Kunti shared a moment of affection before parting ways, each headed in their own direction, prepared for the impending battle. Kunti blessed Karna and wished him well, accepting his decision and acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
Full English translation:
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Section CXLVI, 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 CXLVI:
What was Karna's response to Kunti's request to join the Pandavas?
Karna refused, expressing loyalty to the Kauravas, especially Arjuna. He promised to only fight Arjuna in battle and spare the other brothers.
What was Kunti's reaction to Karna's decision?
Kunti embraced Karna, acknowledging his loyalty and granting safety to his brothers. She accepted destiny and blessed Karna for his actions.
Why did Karna refuse to join the Pandavas despite his mother's request?
Karna felt abandoned by Kunti at birth and loyal to the Kauravas. He wanted to fight Arjuna, ensuring the safety of his four brothers.
Daily life: Karna's Decision: Mother's Plea vs Duty of a Warrior:
The story of Karna and Kunti from the Mahabharata offers profound lessons that can be applied to daily life, centering around loyalty, duty, and the complexity of human relationships. Karna, despite discovering his true heritage, chooses to remain loyal to those who raised him, showcasing the importance of recognizing and honoring the bonds we form in life, beyond just biological ties. This teaches us to value and respect relationships based on trust, love, and support, rather than just family connections.
Karna's response to his mother's pleas also underscores the significance of standing by one's principles, even when faced with challenging decisions. His dedication to his own dharma, or duty, despite the emotional turmoil it brings, exemplifies the strength of character and the importance of making difficult choices that align with one's values. It encourages us to reflect on our own choices and the principles we live by, urging us to stay true to ourselves and our commitments, even in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Karna's promise not to harm any of his brothers except Arjuna reflects an underlying compassion and a refusal to completely sever his newfound family ties, highlighting the complex nature of human emotions and relationships. This aspect of the story teaches us the value of empathy and kindness, reminding us that even in conflict, it's possible to show mercy and maintain a sense of integrity.
In daily life, these lessons from Karna's story inspire us to cultivate loyalty, uphold our duties with integrity, and navigate the complexities of relationships with empathy and understanding. They serve as a guide for living a life that honors our connections with others while staying true to our core principles and values.