Section III - Bhishma Defeated by Arjuna: Karna's Grief and Fear for Kurus
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section III 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:
In the battle of Kurukshetra, Bhishma, the venerable and powerful warrior, was lying on a bed of arrows after being defeated by Arjuna. Karna, filled with grief, approached Bhishma and lamented his demise, acknowledging his unmatched skills in warfare and leadership. Karna expressed his concern for the future of the Kauravas without Bhishma's guidance and protection, foreseeing their impending defeat at the hands of Arjuna and Krishna. He recognized Arjuna's prowess and considered himself capable of facing him in battle, seeking Bhishma's permission to do so. Karna reflected on the unstoppable force of Arjuna and Krishna, likening them to a raging fire and a powerful wind that would devastate the Kaurava army. Despite his own formidable abilities, Karna acknowledged the unmatched strength and divine favor bestowed upon Arjuna and Krishna, realizing the daunting challenge that lay ahead for the Kauravas in their conflict against the Pandavas.
Full English translation:
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Section III, 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 III:
What is the significance of Bhishma lying on a bed of arrows?
Bhishma being defeated symbolizes the turning point in the Kurukshetra war. His fall marks the diminishing hope of Kauravas for victory, as described by Sanjaya in the passage.
How does Karna react to Bhishma's defeat in the battle?
Karna is filled with grief and dismay, recognizing the dire situation as he mourns. He acknowledges Bhishma's prowess and expresses concern for the future of the Kauravas in the war against the Pandavas.
Daily life: Bhishma Defeated by Arjuna: Karna's Grief and Fear for Kurus:
The story narrates Karna's lamentation over Bhishma's defeat and highlights lessons on resilience, respect, and the inevitability of change. In daily life, it teaches us to honor and learn from the experiences of those who paved the way before us, much like Karna showed respect to Bhishma. It reminds us that even the strongest and most experienced among us can face defeat, emphasizing the importance of humility and preparedness for change. The narrative encourages us to be resilient, to keep moving forward despite setbacks, drawing strength from our mentors and our experiences. It underscores the significance of teamwork and the power of support in overcoming challenges, as seen in Arjuna being protected by Krishna. Lastly, it teaches us that acknowledging our emotions, like Karna's grief, is a part of dealing with loss and moving towards healing and growth.