Section CXXIV - Karna seeks forgiveness from Bhishma and gets permission to fight
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXIV 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, lying on his bed of reeds, was visited by Radha's son, Karna, who had always felt hate from Bhishma but was greeted with love and affection. Bhishma revealed to Karna that he knew the truth of his parentage and acknowledged his prowess in battle and noble qualities. Karna, in turn, expressed his loyalty to Duryodhana and his determination to continue fighting against the Pandavas. Bhishma granted Karna permission to fight in the battle, advising him to serve the king and fight without anger or vindictiveness.
Karna, grateful for Bhishma's forgiveness, prepared to engage in battle with the Pandavas, determined to fulfill his duty as a Kshatriya and win regions in the afterlife. Despite Bhishma's efforts to bring about peace, Karna's resolve to fight remained strong, fueled by his animosity towards the Pandavas. Bhishma acknowledged Karna's desire for battle but urged him to fight without pride and for the greater good, emphasizing the happiness that comes from righteous battle. Karna, having received Bhishma's permission and forgiveness, left to join Duryodhana's forces, ready to face his brothers in combat.
The meeting between Bhishma and Karna highlighted the complexities of their relationship, with Bhishma showing compassion and understanding towards Karna despite their past conflicts. Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana and determination to fight against the Pandavas showcased his unwavering dedication to his cause. Bhishma's advice to Karna to fight without anger and serve the king reflected his commitment to upholding principles of righteousness and duty. Ultimately, the exchange between Bhishma and Karna set the stage for the upcoming battles and highlighted the importance of forgiveness, duty, and the inevitable nature of destiny in the epic Mahabharata.
Full English translation:
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Section CXXIV, 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 CXXIV:
How did Bhishma and Karna reconcile their differences?
Bhishma embraced Karna like a father, revealing the truth about his ancestry. Karna sought forgiveness and permission to fight for Duryodhana, ultimately receiving Bhishma's blessing.
What qualities did Bhishma praise in Karna?
Bhishma praised Karna's prowess in battle, devotion to Brahmanas, fair fighting, and strength. He acknowledged Karna's similarity to Arjuna and Krishna in various qualities and urged him to unite with the Pandavas.
What was Karna's response to Bhishma's words?
Karna acknowledged his true lineage as Kunti's son, but remained loyal to Duryodhana. Despite Bhishma's forgiveness, Karna vowed to fight Arjuna and expressed his determination to overcome his animosity towards the Pandavas.
Daily life: Karna seeks forgiveness from Bhishma and gets permission to fight:
The story shared from the epic illustrates the profound impact of forgiveness, understanding, and loyalty in navigating complex relationships and conflicts. It shows us that even in the face of longstanding disputes and misunderstandings, reaching out with a gesture of understanding and forgiveness can pave the way for reconciliation and peace. Bhishma's ability to forgive Karna, despite past animosity, and Karna's loyalty to Duryodhana, even when facing moral dilemmas, highlight the importance of staying true to one's values and commitments.
In daily life, this story encourages us to approach conflicts with empathy and an open heart, recognizing that everyone, including those we disagree with, has their own reasons and struggles. It teaches us the power of forgiveness as a means to heal and move forward, rather than holding onto grudges that only serve to perpetuate pain. Furthermore, it reminds us of the significance of loyalty and integrity, showing that being true to our commitments, even in challenging times, is a testament to our character.
Implementing these lessons means actively listening to others, striving to understand their perspectives, and being willing to forgive past wrongs. It also involves honoring our word and being reliable, demonstrating loyalty to those who depend on us. By embodying these values, we can foster healthier relationships, contribute to a more compassionate society, and develop a strong sense of personal integrity.