Section CLXIX - Battle of Kurukshetra: Bhishma's Insights on Pandava Warriors
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXIX 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:
Bhishma and Drona discuss the warriors on the Pandava side, with Bhishma questioning Karna's abilities and Drona agreeing that Karna is only half a Ratha due to various curses and his boastful nature. In response, Karna angrily accuses Bhishma of being biased against him and creating disunity among the Kauravas. He declares his intent to face the Pandavas alone and promises to defeat them, criticizing Bhishma's leadership and claiming he will fight only after Bhishma is defeated. Bhishma, unfazed by Karna's words, asserts his readiness to take on the burden of leading Duryodhana's army against the Pandavas and advises Karna to focus on fighting Partha (Arjuna) instead of challenging him.
Duryodhana seeks Bhishma's guidance on the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy warriors, particularly the Atirathas and car-division leaders among the Pandavas. He emphasizes the importance of benefiting from Bhishma and Drona's wisdom in preparing for the upcoming battle, expressing his eagerness to learn about the foes he will face. Duryodhana's request for strategic information underscores his determination to secure victory in the impending conflict, indicating his reliance on Bhishma and Drona for strategic insight. The scene sets the stage for the decisive battle ahead, highlighting the crucial role of leadership and tactical planning in determining the outcome of the conflict between the Kauravas and the Pandavas.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXIX, 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 CLXIX:
What was Karna's reaction to Bhishma's criticism?
Karna expressed anger towards Bhishma, accusing him of weakening the Kaurava army.
What did Drona say about Karna's skills in battle?
Drona agreed with Bhishma, stating that Karna lacks skill and sense.
Why did Duryodhana seek information about the enemy's army?
Duryodhana wanted to know about the strength and weaknesses of his foes before battle.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Bhishma's Insights on Pandava Warriors:
From the story narrated, several life lessons can be extracted and applied to our daily lives. Firstly, the importance of humility is evident as characters like Karna and Bhishma engage in a war of words, highlighting the consequences of arrogance and self-praise. It teaches us that boasting about our capabilities can often lead to underestimating others, which in turn can lead to conflicts and unnecessary disputes.
Secondly, the narrative underscores the significance of unity and collaboration. As disputes arise among the Kuru leaders, it becomes clear that internal discord can weaken a group’s ability to achieve common goals. This teaches us that working together harmoniously and supporting one another is crucial for success, whether in a family, among friends, or within professional teams.
Lastly, the story brings to light the concept of respecting experience while acknowledging the potential of the youth. Bhishma’s remarks about being cautious of those who are too old suggest that wisdom does not solely come with age, and young individuals can also possess valuable insights and talents. This teaches us to value contributions from all ages and not to discount someone’s abilities based on their youth or experience alone.
In summary, the tale from the Mahabharata offers insights into practicing humility, the importance of unity, and valuing both the wisdom of experience and the vigor of youth in our daily interactions and pursuits.