Are we dragged?


Seeing Arjun’s wonderful feats, the crowd roared in delight. The roar died down by thunderous sound made by slapping of arms heard at stadium gate. When startled spectators turned their heads, they saw an unknown person appearing as splendorous as Sun. Adorned with natural armor, dazzling with celestial earrings & carrying a bow Karna entered the arena


After bowing his head indifferently to offer respects to Drona & Krpa, Karna approached Arjun & declared-I shall now excel in all feats that you performed. Stand here & witness my unmatched prowess


Hearing this, the crowd stirred with excitement & stood up in great expectation. Duryodhana was especially delighted to see that someone has finally challenged Arjun. As he stood there, Arjun was dumbfounded, embarrassed & angry. Karna took permission from Drona & proceeded to duplicate all feats done by Arjun & indeed performed many wonderful feats that excelled Arjun’s performance. At the end Duryodhana & his associates joyfully embraced him


To cement their friendly relationship, Duryodhana offered his entire kingdom at Karna’s disposal. In response, Karna said that all what he wants is his friendship & chance to fight Arjun. He then exchanged insulting words with Arjun & challenged him to fight


After being embraced by his brothers & taking permission from Drona, Arjun approached his adversary with determination. Suddenly clouds, adorned with flashes of lightening appeared & rainbow of Indra was seen. When Surya saw how Indra appeared out of affection for his son Arjun, he began dispersing cloud out of love for his son Karna. Thus, Arjun remained under cover of clouds & Karna was bathed in bright sunlight


Duryodhana took Karna’s side while Bhisma, Drona & Krpa supported Arjun. Kunti saw her 2 sons preparing to fight & fainted. Krpa then said to Karna-Arjun will accept your challenge but first you must state your royal lineage since Kshatriyas never fight persons of lower birth. As Karna’s face became pale, Duryodhana quickly said-If Arjun is unwilling to fight on these grounds, then I bestow kingdom of Anga upon Karna so that no one can refuse to recognize him as king


Karna was crowned right on the spot by Brahmanās chanting Vedic mantras. Karna felt tremendous gratitude towards Duryodhana & assured him his unalloyed friendship


When weakness & wickedness come together, then usually wickedness overpowers weakness. In the moment when one feels weak & feeble in a situation, he is vulnerable to be appropriated by selfish people. He then under the feeling of gratitude is blinded and is dragged to wickedness by others. Karna also went through the same predicament. In gratitude he committed himself to the words of honor instead of life of honor, & was utilized by Duryodhana for his ulterior motives


We need to be careful about what to feel gratitude for & to what extent. That discrimination power is a necessity


The object of gratitude is one & only Supreme Lord!


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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