Section CCIV - Dhritarashtra seeks counsel to defeat Pandavas
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCIV 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:
Karna advices Duryodhana that subtle means will not work against the Pandavas, as they are now strong and united. He suggests attacking and exterminating them instead, while they are still vulnerable. Karna believes that the Pandavas cannot be discomfited by bribes or diplomacy, but only by the use of brute force. Dhritarashtra praises Karna's wisdom and suggests that Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, and Karna should come up with a plan together for the benefit of their cause.
Dhritarashtra then calls for a council with his ministers to discuss the best course of action. Karna's advice to attack the Pandavas while they are still weak and before Krishna can come to their aid is considered seriously. The council acknowledges that the Pandavas are strong and united, making them difficult to defeat by any other means. Karna's emphasis on the importance of prowess in warfare resonates with the council members.
Karna's strategy to defeat the Pandavas through sheer force and aggression is perceived as a viable option by the council. They recognize the futility of trying to create disunion among the Pandavas and understand the need to act decisively. The council agrees that attacking Drupada and the Pandavas before they can gather their full strength is the best course of action. Karna's belief in the power of prowess and military might influences the council's decision-making process.
Overall, Karna's counsel to Duryodhana resonates with the council members, who acknowledge the importance of strength and aggression in defeating the Pandavas. The council's consensus is to follow Karna's advice and launch an attack on the Pandavas before they can consolidate their forces. The council recognizes the challenges posed by the united front of the Pandavas and the support they have from Krishna. Karna's strategic approach to warfare is deemed necessary in the face of such formidable opponents.
Full English translation:
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Section CCIV, 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 CCIV:
What was Karna's opinion on how to deal with the Pandavas?
Karna believed that attacking and exterminating the Pandavas was the best course of action. He thought they couldn't be disunited or defeated by any other means.
How did Dhritarashtra respond to Karna's suggestion?
Dhritarashtra praised Karna's wisdom and prowess, agreeing with his proposal. He then asked Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, and Karna to further strategize.
Who did Dhritarashtra consult with to determine the next course of action?
Dhritarashtra called upon his trusted ministers, including Bhishma, Drona, Vidura, and Karna, to discuss and formulate a plan regarding the Pandavas.
Daily life: Dhritarashtra seeks counsel to defeat Pandavas:
In the story, Karna advises Duryodhana that subtle manipulations won't work against their adversaries, the Pandavas, and suggests direct confrontation as the only viable method to overcome them. This illustrates the importance of assessing the situation realistically and recognizing when indirect methods or manipulations fail to deliver desired outcomes. Applying this to daily life, it's crucial to face problems directly rather than avoiding them or resorting to underhanded strategies that may not be effective. While subtlety and strategy have their place, there are circumstances where direct action is necessary for resolution.
Additionally, Karna points out the strong bonds among the Pandavas and their allies, highlighting the value of unity and loyalty. In real life, fostering strong, positive relationships with those around us can provide support and strength during challenging times. This suggests that investing in our relationships and building a solid support network is crucial.
The story also touches on consulting with wise and experienced individuals before taking action. Dhritarashtra's decision to seek advice from seasoned advisors before proceeding indicates the importance of gathering multiple perspectives and wisdom. In daily life, seeking advice from those with more experience or different viewpoints can lead to better-informed decisions. This approach helps in considering all possible outcomes and choosing the best path forward.