Shloka 14
Kuntī–Karṇa Saṃvāda: Lineage Disclosure and Appeal to Fraternal Dharma
इति मे चिन्तयन्त्या वै हृदि दु:खं प्रवर्तते । पितामह:ः शान्तनव आचार्यश्न युधां पति:
iti me cintayantyā vai hṛdi duḥkhaṃ pravartate | pitāmahaḥ śāntanava ācāryaś ca yudhāṃ patiḥ ||
«À mesure que je médite ainsi, la douleur s’élève dans mon cœur. Car là se tiennent le grand aïeul, fils de Śāntanu, et le précepteur lui aussi — des seigneurs parmi les guerriers.»
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of conflict when revered elders and teachers stand as leading figures in war. It underscores how dharma is not merely rule-following but a lived moral struggle, where duty collides with reverence, gratitude, and personal conscience—producing inner sorrow.
Vaiśampāyana reports a speaker’s inner turmoil: while contemplating the situation, grief arises because the opposing side is led by formidable and venerable figures—Bhīṣma (the grandsire, son of Śāntanu) and the Ācārya (the preceptor, commonly understood as Droṇa)—both described as chiefs among warriors.