Leadership Lessons - Krishna in conversation with Karna. Who lives inside you? Krishna or Karna?

During the last league of the Mahabharata war, when Krishna and Karna come face to face, they have a conversation where Karna explains how life has always been unfair to him.

“My mother left me the moment I was born. Is it my fault I was born an illegitimate child?

I did not get the education from Dhronacharya because I was considered a non-Kshatriya.

Parshuram ji taught me right but cursed that at the time when I would need that education the most, I would forget it. Because according to him I was not a Kshatriya.

A cow was accidentally hit by my arrow and its owner cursed me for no fault of mine.

I was disgraced in Draupadi’s swayamvar.

Even Kunti finally told me the truth only to save her other sons.

Whatever I received was through Duryodhana’s charity. So how am I wrong in taking his side?”

Lord Krishna listens to him patiently and replies

“Karna, I was born in a jail. Death was waiting for me even before my birth. The night I was born I was separated from my birth parents.

From childhood, you grew up hearing the noise of swords, chariots, horses, bow, and arrows. I got only cow herd’s shed, dung, and multiple attempts on my life even before I could walk! No army, no education.

I could hear people saying I am the reason for all their problems.

When all of you were being appreciated for your valour by your teachers I had not even received any education. I joined gurukula of Rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16.

You are married to a girl of your choice. I didn’t get the girl I loved & rather ended up marrying those who wanted me or the ones I rescued from demons.

I had to move my whole community from the banks of Yamuna to a far off Sea shore to save them from Jarasandh. I was called a coward for running away.

If Duryodhana wins the war you will get a lot of credit. What do I get if Yudhishthir wins the war? Only the blame for the war and all related problems…

Remember one thing, Karna. Everybody has challenges in life.

LIFE IS NOT FAIR ON ANYBODY

Duryodhana also has a lot of unfairness in life and so has Yudhishthir.

But what is Right (Dharma) is known to your 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.

Stop whining Karna. Life’s unfairness does not give you license to walk the wrong path.

Always remember, Life may be tough at a point, but DESTINY is not created by the SHOES we wear but by the STEPS we take”

This conversation between Karna and Krishna carries a valuable life lesson which is eternally relevant. Most of us justify what we do (usually wrongful acts) by accounting the unjust happenings in our lives. We sulk in self-pity and blame everyone for the hardships we had to go through. We validate our actions by the sufferings we had to face.

It is important to understand that even though the circumstances we face are defined by our Karma, how we choose to react to those circumstances defines our destiny!

While Karna and Krishna both faced similar ‘únjust’ situations since birth, one grew up to be insecure, jealous and bitter while the latter matured into a secure, wise and empathetic individual. This is the difference between ignorance and awareness.

Take a few moments and peep inside yourself today.

Who lives in there? Krishna or Karna?

This post is inspired by my 8 year old Son's love for the Indian Epic - Mahabharata