MISCONCEPTION: KARNA WAS RIGHTEOUS AND A FOLLOWER OF DHARMA LIKE YUDHISTHIR -
There are some hijacked blorndies who believe that Karna was equal to Yudhisthir when it comes to following Dharma,lol :P
Lets blow this another bubble of Karna lovers.
>> KARNA AND YUDHISTHIR,A CHARACTER COMPARISION BY LORD KRISHNA -
Narrative:
Duryodhana is a big tree of evil passions; Karna is its trunk; Sakuni is its branches; Dussasana forms its abundant blossoms and fruits; (while) the wise king Dhritarashtra is its toots.
Yudhishthira is a big tree of righteousness; Arjuna is its trunk; and Bhima is its branches; the sons of Madri are its abundant flowers and fruits; and its roots are myself and religion and religious men.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05029.htm
Krishna's words clearly say that Karna was the trunk of unrighteousness while Yudhisthir was the tree of Righteousness.
---------------------------
DHARMA NISTHA - Karna was among the most Adharmic characters of Mahabharata. We say someone is Dharmic, if the purpose of his actions is Dharma, and when it is not arbitrary, but consistent. When we talk of a person, it is good to list out what his dharma is, and then evaluate how much he stood for it.
---------------------------
>> RAJA DHARMA (KING) -
There is no special mention or praise for Karna's ruler ship in Anga.On the contrary,we come to know that there used to be a sale of women and children in his kingdom Anga.
Narrative:
The abandonment of the afflicted and the sale of wives and children are, O Karna, prevalent amongst the Angas whose king thou art. Recollecting those faults of thine that Bhishma recited on the occasion of the tale of Rathas and Atirathas, drive away thy wrath. Do not be angry
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08045.htm
Regarding Yudhishthir,there are many many praises for his ruler ship as well as incidents which show that he was a great King.
1)A Piece of Barren Desert called Khandavaprastha becomes a great Kingdom under Yudhishthir -
(Don't get confused with Star Plus Mahabharat,Vishvakarma helping the Pandavas is incorrect.It's true that Mayasur helped Pandavas making a Palace but that happened many many years after this incident,after Khandava Dahan)
Narrative:
And content with half the kingdom, they removed to Khandavaprastha, which was in unreclaimed desert. Then those heroes of unfading splendour, viz., the Pandavas, with Krishna at their head, arriving there, beautified the place and made it a second heaven.
(Follow the link to read the beautiful description of Indraprastra which was made through the hard work of Pandavas)
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01210.htm
2)King Yudhisthir,having obtain Sovereignty,ruled the land Virtuously,always adhering to Truth.
Narrative:
And Yudhishthira. endued with great energy and ever adhering to truth, having obtained the sovereignty, virtuously ruled the land, assisted by his brothers. And the sons of Pandu, endued with great wisdom and devoted to truth and virtue, having vanquished all their foes, continued to live there in great happiness. And those bulls among men, seated on royal seats of great value, used to discharge all the duties of government.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01211.htm
3)When Pandavas went for exile,all the Citizens were filled with sorrow,they praised Pandavas and exposed Duryodhan/Karna/Shakuni :P
Narrative:
And the citizens learning of their departure became overwhelmed with sorrow, and began to censure Bhishma and Vidura and Drona and Gautama. And having met together they thus addressed one another fearlessly.
'Alas, our families, we ourselves, and our homes are all gone, when the wicked Duryodhana, backed by the son of Suvala, by Karna and Dussasana, aspireth to this kingdom. And, Oh, our families, our (ancestral) usages, our virtue and prosperity, are all doomed where this sinful wretch supported by wretches as sinful aspireth to the kingdom! And, Oh, how can happiness be there where these are not! Duryodhana beareth malice towards all superiors, hath taken leave of good conduct, and quarreleth with those that are near to him in blood. Covetous and vain and mean, he is cruel by nature. The whole earth is doomed when Duryodhana becometh its ruler. Thither, therefore, let us proceed whither the merciful and high-minded sons of Pandu with passions under control and victorious over foes, and possessed of modesty and renown, and devoted to pious practices, repair!'
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03001.htm
AS A KING,KARNA WAS NOWHERE NEAR YUDHISTHIR.
----------------------------
>> VYAKTI DHARMA - A Dharmic person is supposed to act dispassionately, according to Dharma. His actions should be based on dharma and not on preferences. Whereas Karna's actions, most of the times, are driven by strong negative tendencies:
1)Jealousy for Arjuna was one motivator for Karna's life.
Narrative:
But of them all, the Suta child Karna, from jealousy, frequently defied Arjuna, and supported by Duryodhana, used to disregard the Pandavas.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm
Later,for no reason, Karna takes a Vow to kill Arjuna,all because of his Jealousy towards Arjuna.
2)Karna lacks the dignity of a king as he was an Abuser.
He bad mouthed those revered like Bhishma and Drona, in multiple occasions. (Karna,The Abuser - http://on.fb.me/1AZ9kcX)
The reasons:
- They praise Arjuna.
- They want to do good to Duryodhana and prevent him from inviting his death
- They adjudged Karna's valor, with a balance sheet based on his capabilities and weaknesses
3)Karna has no respect for Women,Instructs Dushasana to disrobe Drauapdi,Abused her,asked her to find another husband.
http://on.fb.me/1FIZzeT
ON THE OTHER HAND,JUST SEE YUDHISTHIR'S VYAKTI DHARMA -
> The Gandharvas kidnapped Duryodhan,his brothers,his wives.Still Yudhisthir who was passing his days in forest, sends his brothers to fight Gandharvas and Rescue Duryodhan along with his family.
Narrative:
Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as this, towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and who have come to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara, disunions and disputes do take place amongst those that are connected in blood. Hostilities such as these do go on. But the honour of the family is never suffered to be interfered with. If any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a family, they that are good never tolerate such insult coming from the stranger.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03241.htm
> After his brothers defeated Gandharvas and rescued Duryodhan along with his family,The Noble Yudhisthir set Duryodhan free.If he wanted,he could have made Duryodhan his slave,if Druapadi wanted,she could have made duryodhan's wives her slaves,but they set them free -
Narrative:
And Yudhishthira then addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst of his brothers, from affection, told him these words: 'O child, never again do such a rash act. O Bharata, a rash wight never cometh by happiness. O son of the Kuru race, pleased be thou with all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital as pleaseth thee, without yielding thyself to despondency or cheerlessness!"
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03244.htm
THIS IS THE GREATNESS OF YUDHISTHIR,EVEN AFTER DURYODHAN DID SO MUCH BAD WITH PANDAVAS,TRIED TO DISROBE DRAUPADI,BURN THEM,POISION BHIMA,SENT THEM TO FOREST,STILL YUDHISTHIR IS ADDRESSING DURYODHAN AS A FATHER ADDRESSES HIS CHILD THAT- O SON,NEVER AGAIN DO SUCH AN ACT.NOW GO BACK HOME AND FORGET ALL THAT HAPPENED.
------------------------------
>> MITRA DHARMA (FRIENDSHIP) -
There are three grades of friendship -
1. Out of mutual affection
2. Out of common cause
3. Out of common enmity.
These are Uttama, Madhyama and Adhama kinds.
There are two contrasting pairs of friends in Mahabharata-
Krishna-Arjuna is the first kind, and Karna-Duryodhana is the last kind.
Krishna and Arjuna held each other's side for their affection, for their commitment to dharma.
Karna and Duryodhana stuck to each other, out of strategic enmity. Karna to vanquish Arjuna, and Duryodhana to vanquish Pandavas with Karna's help.
In my opinion,Mitra Dharma was the only Dharma which Karna followed but that too had many flaws.Read on to know...
Friendship, as it is defined, a good friend is one who guides us in the right path, makes us do things for our well-being. While we see Krishna always guiding Arjuna on the right path, Karna always guided Duryodhana on the wrong. He not only persuaded Duryodhana not to do wrong things, but in fact he was the architect of most unrighteous deeds of Duryodhana - Poisoning Bheema,Burning the palace of lac,Insulting Draupadi etc.
1)Karna advices duryodhana to again defeat the pandavas by cheating through another game of dice should the pandavas return to hastinapur after 13 years:
Narrative:
"Karna said, 'O Duryodhana, all of us seek to accomplish thy will and, O king, I see that unanimity at present prevaileth among us! The sons of Pandu, with passions under complete control, will never return without passing away the promised period. If, however, they do return from failing sense, do thou defeat them again at dice.'
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03007.htm
2)Karna advices duryodhana to attack pandavas in forest & kill them immediately:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03007.htm
3)Karna advices duryodhana not to give the pandavas their rightful properties & wealth,even though their term of exile was completed -
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05021.htm
4)Just for saving his life,Karna leaves his best friend Duryodhan and his family on the mercy of Gandharvas to become their slaves.
http://on.fb.me/1GjdZah
5)Karna refuses to fight under Bhishma just out his ego,where was his friendship gone?
Narrative:
Let, however, the Grandsire listen to the effect of the bit of harsh speech that he hath uttered. I lay down my weapons. The Grandsire will henceforth behold me in court only and not in battle. After thou hast become quiet, the rulers of the earth will behold my prowess in this world.'
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05062.htm
Many people think that Karna refused to fight under Bhishma because he was declared an Ardha-Rathi by Bhishma.This is not correct.Before the tales of Rathas and Atirathas,Karna had declared that he won't fight under Bhishma.(Citation above)
Even if Bhishma declared him an Ardha Rathi,still had he really wanted to fight for Duryodhan and protect his brothers,he could have.But he fought for himself and for killing Arjuna just to attain fame and get the title of greatest archer,and not for his friend.
---------------------------
YUDHISTHIR FOLLOWED BRAHMACHARYA BUT KARNA NEVER FOLLOWED IT -
Narrative:
Endued with great energy, he hath been wronged by Duryodhana. If he were not high-minded, the would in wrath burn the Dhritarashtras. I do not so much dread Arjuna or Bhima or Krishna or the twin brothers as I dread the wrath of the king, O Suta, when his wrath is excited. His austerities are great; he is devoted to Brahmacharya practices.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05022.htm
---------------------------
>> THE POWER OF DHARMA -
YUDHISTHIR COULD HAVE BURNT EVERYONE THROUGH THE POWER IN HIS EYES,COULD HAVE ENDED THE WAR IN A MOMENT IF HE WANTED -
Vidur describes this power of Yudhisthir -
Narrative:
King Yudhishthira is always kind, O Bharata, to thy children. Though deprived (of his kingdom and possessions) by foul means, filled with wrath as he is, he doth not open eyes. 'I should not burn the people by looking at them with angry eyes,'--thinking so, the royal son of Pandu goeth covering his face.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02079.htm
Bhishma too describes this power of Yudhisthir -
Narrative:
As long as this remnant of thy brothers is not slain, let peace, O monarch, be made! As long as Yudhishthira with eyes burning in wrath doth not consume thy troops in battle, let peace, O sire, be made!
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06123.htm
Even Salya warns Karna about this power of Yudhisthir -
Narrative:
Then Shalya addressed him, and said, "Do not, O Karna, seize this best of kings. As soon as thou seizest him, he will reduce both thee and me to ashes."
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08049.htm
With this power,Yudhisthir if wanted could have ended the war in a moment.It is said that Yudhisthir with this power and Arjuna using Pashupatastra could have ended the war in a moment.Even Draupadi had a similar power.This is the power of Dharma.
------------------------------
>> DEATH -
#Yudhisthir,the most noble and righteous among all, reached heaven with his mortal body -
Narrative:
"Shakra said, ‘Thou shalt behold thy brothers in Heaven. They have reached it before thee. Indeed, thou shalt see all of them there, with Krishna. Do not yield to grief, O chief of the Bharatas. Having cast off their human bodies they have gone there, O chief of Bharata’s race. As regards thee, it is ordained that thou shalt go thither in this very body of thine.’
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m17/m17003.htm
#Karna,the wicked and sinful,His dead body was lying on the battlefield & was being eaten up by vultures, jackals, hyenas... What a Pity -
Narrative:
"That lady, the mother of Sushena, exceedingly afflicted and uttering cries of woe, is falling down, deprived of her senses, at the sight of the mighty-armed and brave Karna prostrated on the earth, with his waist still encircled with a belt of gold. Carnivorous creatures, feeding on the body of that illustrious hero, have reduced it to very small dimensions. The sight is not gladdening, like that of the moon on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight."
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m11/m11020.htm
------------------------------
PS: Daan Dharma in another post ;)
VERDICT -
Karna can always be compared to what worst a human can do, and marked better than that. But he cannot be compared to what best a human can do, because he falls much short of that.
~PG
There are some hijacked blorndies who believe that Karna was equal to Yudhisthir when it comes to following Dharma,lol :P
Lets blow this another bubble of Karna lovers.
>> KARNA AND YUDHISTHIR,A CHARACTER COMPARISION BY LORD KRISHNA -
Narrative:
Duryodhana is a big tree of evil passions; Karna is its trunk; Sakuni is its branches; Dussasana forms its abundant blossoms and fruits; (while) the wise king Dhritarashtra is its toots.
Yudhishthira is a big tree of righteousness; Arjuna is its trunk; and Bhima is its branches; the sons of Madri are its abundant flowers and fruits; and its roots are myself and religion and religious men.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05029.htm
Krishna's words clearly say that Karna was the trunk of unrighteousness while Yudhisthir was the tree of Righteousness.
---------------------------
DHARMA NISTHA - Karna was among the most Adharmic characters of Mahabharata. We say someone is Dharmic, if the purpose of his actions is Dharma, and when it is not arbitrary, but consistent. When we talk of a person, it is good to list out what his dharma is, and then evaluate how much he stood for it.
---------------------------
>> RAJA DHARMA (KING) -
There is no special mention or praise for Karna's ruler ship in Anga.On the contrary,we come to know that there used to be a sale of women and children in his kingdom Anga.
Narrative:
The abandonment of the afflicted and the sale of wives and children are, O Karna, prevalent amongst the Angas whose king thou art. Recollecting those faults of thine that Bhishma recited on the occasion of the tale of Rathas and Atirathas, drive away thy wrath. Do not be angry
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08045.htm
Regarding Yudhishthir,there are many many praises for his ruler ship as well as incidents which show that he was a great King.
1)A Piece of Barren Desert called Khandavaprastha becomes a great Kingdom under Yudhishthir -
(Don't get confused with Star Plus Mahabharat,Vishvakarma helping the Pandavas is incorrect.It's true that Mayasur helped Pandavas making a Palace but that happened many many years after this incident,after Khandava Dahan)
Narrative:
And content with half the kingdom, they removed to Khandavaprastha, which was in unreclaimed desert. Then those heroes of unfading splendour, viz., the Pandavas, with Krishna at their head, arriving there, beautified the place and made it a second heaven.
(Follow the link to read the beautiful description of Indraprastra which was made through the hard work of Pandavas)
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01210.htm
2)King Yudhisthir,having obtain Sovereignty,ruled the land Virtuously,always adhering to Truth.
Narrative:
And Yudhishthira. endued with great energy and ever adhering to truth, having obtained the sovereignty, virtuously ruled the land, assisted by his brothers. And the sons of Pandu, endued with great wisdom and devoted to truth and virtue, having vanquished all their foes, continued to live there in great happiness. And those bulls among men, seated on royal seats of great value, used to discharge all the duties of government.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01211.htm
3)When Pandavas went for exile,all the Citizens were filled with sorrow,they praised Pandavas and exposed Duryodhan/Karna/Shakuni :P
Narrative:
And the citizens learning of their departure became overwhelmed with sorrow, and began to censure Bhishma and Vidura and Drona and Gautama. And having met together they thus addressed one another fearlessly.
'Alas, our families, we ourselves, and our homes are all gone, when the wicked Duryodhana, backed by the son of Suvala, by Karna and Dussasana, aspireth to this kingdom. And, Oh, our families, our (ancestral) usages, our virtue and prosperity, are all doomed where this sinful wretch supported by wretches as sinful aspireth to the kingdom! And, Oh, how can happiness be there where these are not! Duryodhana beareth malice towards all superiors, hath taken leave of good conduct, and quarreleth with those that are near to him in blood. Covetous and vain and mean, he is cruel by nature. The whole earth is doomed when Duryodhana becometh its ruler. Thither, therefore, let us proceed whither the merciful and high-minded sons of Pandu with passions under control and victorious over foes, and possessed of modesty and renown, and devoted to pious practices, repair!'
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03001.htm
AS A KING,KARNA WAS NOWHERE NEAR YUDHISTHIR.
----------------------------
>> VYAKTI DHARMA - A Dharmic person is supposed to act dispassionately, according to Dharma. His actions should be based on dharma and not on preferences. Whereas Karna's actions, most of the times, are driven by strong negative tendencies:
1)Jealousy for Arjuna was one motivator for Karna's life.
Narrative:
But of them all, the Suta child Karna, from jealousy, frequently defied Arjuna, and supported by Duryodhana, used to disregard the Pandavas.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm
Later,for no reason, Karna takes a Vow to kill Arjuna,all because of his Jealousy towards Arjuna.
2)Karna lacks the dignity of a king as he was an Abuser.
He bad mouthed those revered like Bhishma and Drona, in multiple occasions. (Karna,The Abuser - http://on.fb.me/1AZ9kcX)
The reasons:
- They praise Arjuna.
- They want to do good to Duryodhana and prevent him from inviting his death
- They adjudged Karna's valor, with a balance sheet based on his capabilities and weaknesses
3)Karna has no respect for Women,Instructs Dushasana to disrobe Drauapdi,Abused her,asked her to find another husband.
http://on.fb.me/1FIZzeT
ON THE OTHER HAND,JUST SEE YUDHISTHIR'S VYAKTI DHARMA -
> The Gandharvas kidnapped Duryodhan,his brothers,his wives.Still Yudhisthir who was passing his days in forest, sends his brothers to fight Gandharvas and Rescue Duryodhan along with his family.
Narrative:
Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as this, towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and who have come to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara, disunions and disputes do take place amongst those that are connected in blood. Hostilities such as these do go on. But the honour of the family is never suffered to be interfered with. If any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a family, they that are good never tolerate such insult coming from the stranger.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03241.htm
> After his brothers defeated Gandharvas and rescued Duryodhan along with his family,The Noble Yudhisthir set Duryodhan free.If he wanted,he could have made Duryodhan his slave,if Druapadi wanted,she could have made duryodhan's wives her slaves,but they set them free -
Narrative:
And Yudhishthira then addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst of his brothers, from affection, told him these words: 'O child, never again do such a rash act. O Bharata, a rash wight never cometh by happiness. O son of the Kuru race, pleased be thou with all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital as pleaseth thee, without yielding thyself to despondency or cheerlessness!"
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03244.htm
THIS IS THE GREATNESS OF YUDHISTHIR,EVEN AFTER DURYODHAN DID SO MUCH BAD WITH PANDAVAS,TRIED TO DISROBE DRAUPADI,BURN THEM,POISION BHIMA,SENT THEM TO FOREST,STILL YUDHISTHIR IS ADDRESSING DURYODHAN AS A FATHER ADDRESSES HIS CHILD THAT- O SON,NEVER AGAIN DO SUCH AN ACT.NOW GO BACK HOME AND FORGET ALL THAT HAPPENED.
------------------------------
>> MITRA DHARMA (FRIENDSHIP) -
There are three grades of friendship -
1. Out of mutual affection
2. Out of common cause
3. Out of common enmity.
These are Uttama, Madhyama and Adhama kinds.
There are two contrasting pairs of friends in Mahabharata-
Krishna-Arjuna is the first kind, and Karna-Duryodhana is the last kind.
Krishna and Arjuna held each other's side for their affection, for their commitment to dharma.
Karna and Duryodhana stuck to each other, out of strategic enmity. Karna to vanquish Arjuna, and Duryodhana to vanquish Pandavas with Karna's help.
In my opinion,Mitra Dharma was the only Dharma which Karna followed but that too had many flaws.Read on to know...
Friendship, as it is defined, a good friend is one who guides us in the right path, makes us do things for our well-being. While we see Krishna always guiding Arjuna on the right path, Karna always guided Duryodhana on the wrong. He not only persuaded Duryodhana not to do wrong things, but in fact he was the architect of most unrighteous deeds of Duryodhana - Poisoning Bheema,Burning the palace of lac,Insulting Draupadi etc.
1)Karna advices duryodhana to again defeat the pandavas by cheating through another game of dice should the pandavas return to hastinapur after 13 years:
Narrative:
"Karna said, 'O Duryodhana, all of us seek to accomplish thy will and, O king, I see that unanimity at present prevaileth among us! The sons of Pandu, with passions under complete control, will never return without passing away the promised period. If, however, they do return from failing sense, do thou defeat them again at dice.'
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03007.htm
2)Karna advices duryodhana to attack pandavas in forest & kill them immediately:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03007.htm
3)Karna advices duryodhana not to give the pandavas their rightful properties & wealth,even though their term of exile was completed -
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05021.htm
4)Just for saving his life,Karna leaves his best friend Duryodhan and his family on the mercy of Gandharvas to become their slaves.
http://on.fb.me/1GjdZah
5)Karna refuses to fight under Bhishma just out his ego,where was his friendship gone?
Narrative:
Let, however, the Grandsire listen to the effect of the bit of harsh speech that he hath uttered. I lay down my weapons. The Grandsire will henceforth behold me in court only and not in battle. After thou hast become quiet, the rulers of the earth will behold my prowess in this world.'
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05062.htm
Many people think that Karna refused to fight under Bhishma because he was declared an Ardha-Rathi by Bhishma.This is not correct.Before the tales of Rathas and Atirathas,Karna had declared that he won't fight under Bhishma.(Citation above)
Even if Bhishma declared him an Ardha Rathi,still had he really wanted to fight for Duryodhan and protect his brothers,he could have.But he fought for himself and for killing Arjuna just to attain fame and get the title of greatest archer,and not for his friend.
---------------------------
YUDHISTHIR FOLLOWED BRAHMACHARYA BUT KARNA NEVER FOLLOWED IT -
Narrative:
Endued with great energy, he hath been wronged by Duryodhana. If he were not high-minded, the would in wrath burn the Dhritarashtras. I do not so much dread Arjuna or Bhima or Krishna or the twin brothers as I dread the wrath of the king, O Suta, when his wrath is excited. His austerities are great; he is devoted to Brahmacharya practices.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05022.htm
---------------------------
>> THE POWER OF DHARMA -
YUDHISTHIR COULD HAVE BURNT EVERYONE THROUGH THE POWER IN HIS EYES,COULD HAVE ENDED THE WAR IN A MOMENT IF HE WANTED -
Vidur describes this power of Yudhisthir -
Narrative:
King Yudhishthira is always kind, O Bharata, to thy children. Though deprived (of his kingdom and possessions) by foul means, filled with wrath as he is, he doth not open eyes. 'I should not burn the people by looking at them with angry eyes,'--thinking so, the royal son of Pandu goeth covering his face.
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02079.htm
Bhishma too describes this power of Yudhisthir -
Narrative:
As long as this remnant of thy brothers is not slain, let peace, O monarch, be made! As long as Yudhishthira with eyes burning in wrath doth not consume thy troops in battle, let peace, O sire, be made!
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06123.htm
Even Salya warns Karna about this power of Yudhisthir -
Narrative:
Then Shalya addressed him, and said, "Do not, O Karna, seize this best of kings. As soon as thou seizest him, he will reduce both thee and me to ashes."
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08049.htm
With this power,Yudhisthir if wanted could have ended the war in a moment.It is said that Yudhisthir with this power and Arjuna using Pashupatastra could have ended the war in a moment.Even Draupadi had a similar power.This is the power of Dharma.
------------------------------
>> DEATH -
#Yudhisthir,the most noble and righteous among all, reached heaven with his mortal body -
Narrative:
"Shakra said, ‘Thou shalt behold thy brothers in Heaven. They have reached it before thee. Indeed, thou shalt see all of them there, with Krishna. Do not yield to grief, O chief of the Bharatas. Having cast off their human bodies they have gone there, O chief of Bharata’s race. As regards thee, it is ordained that thou shalt go thither in this very body of thine.’
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m17/m17003.htm
#Karna,the wicked and sinful,His dead body was lying on the battlefield & was being eaten up by vultures, jackals, hyenas... What a Pity -
Narrative:
"That lady, the mother of Sushena, exceedingly afflicted and uttering cries of woe, is falling down, deprived of her senses, at the sight of the mighty-armed and brave Karna prostrated on the earth, with his waist still encircled with a belt of gold. Carnivorous creatures, feeding on the body of that illustrious hero, have reduced it to very small dimensions. The sight is not gladdening, like that of the moon on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight."
www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m11/m11020.htm
------------------------------
PS: Daan Dharma in another post ;)
VERDICT -
Karna can always be compared to what worst a human can do, and marked better than that. But he cannot be compared to what best a human can do, because he falls much short of that.
~PG
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