Dharma to Karma- An emotional talk between Lord Krishna & Karna

Karma is?an ancient Indian concept that refers to an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences.

The conversation between Lord Krishna and Karna, as recounted in the Mahabharata, is deeply philosophical and touches on themes of karma, dharma, and the complexities of human life. In this dialogue, Karna expresses his grievances and hardships to Krishna, questioning why Krishna seems to Favor Arjuna over him despite his own significant suffering and virtuous qualities.

He recounts his life’s struggles, highlighting the injustices he faced from the moment of his birth:

The Conversation between Karna and Krishna

Karna's Lament:

Karna, in a moment of introspection and sorrow, confronts Lord Krishna with a series of questions that have plagued him throughout his life. He recounts his life’s struggles, highlighting the injustices he faced from the moment of his birth:

• Abandonment by his mother: Born to Kunti, but abandoned at birth and found by a charioteer, thus denied his rightful status as a Kshatriya.
• Social Stigma: Despite being of royal blood, he was raised as a charioteer's son and faced discrimination and mockery.
• Denial of Education: Dron Acharya refused to teach him because of his perceived low caste, forcing him to seek knowledge from Parashurama under false pretences, which later led to a curse.
• Rejection by Draupadi: Humiliated in public when Draupadi refused to marry him during her Swayam Vara, citing his lower birth.
• Friendship with Duryodhana: His loyalty to Duryodhana, though born of gratitude and friendship, led him to stand against dharma.
• Injustice in Battle: Faced with curses and deceit, including his chariot wheel getting stuck and being killed by Arjuna when he was defenceless.

Karna's Questions to Krishna: "Why do you favor Arjuna over me? Why do I, despite my virtuous qualities and unwavering loyalty, face such a brutal fate?"

Lord Krishna's Response:

Lord Krishna acknowledges Karna's suffering and the hardships he faced. He explains the principles of Prarabdha Karma (past actions' karma) and Vartamana Karma (present actions' karma). But what is Right (Dharma) is known to our own mind (conscience). No matter how much unfairness we got, how many times we were disgraced, how many times we were denied what was due to us, what is important is how you REACTED at that time. Life’s unfairness does not give us license to walk the wrong path. Always we should remember that Life may be tough at a point, but DESTINY is not created by the SHOES we wear but by the STEPS we take…

Exactly, the world is not good because of “BAD” people but because of ?“GOOD” people not taking stand for right things.

The notion that divine will or cosmic justice intervenes when powerful people fail to make righteous decisions underscores a belief in a higher moral order. This belief encourages leaders to act with integrity, align their actions with ethical principles, and fulfil their duties responsibly. When they fail to do so, the resulting shifts in power are seen as necessary corrections to maintain balance and justice in the world.

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?Disclaimer: This article is based on just purely on my view & experience towards life. Here, neither my organization nor any specific person’s viewpoint have been influenced. So, read & enjoy as an article.

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Thank you

Swati Lekha Nayak, Bangalore (Author)

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