Adhyāya 2: Nārada’s Disclosure—Karṇa’s Training and the Brahmin’s Curse (Śānti-parva)
शप्त: प्रसादयामास कर्णस्तं द्विजसत्तमम् | गोभिथर्थनैश्व रत्नैश्व स चैनं पुनरब्रवीत्
śaptaḥ prasādayāmāsa karṇas taṃ dvijasattamam | gobhir arthaiś ca ratnaiś ca sa cainaṃ punar abravīt |
शाप पाकर कर्ण ने उस श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मण को बहुत-सी गौएँ, धन और रत्न देकर प्रसन्न करने का प्रयत्न किया; पर वह ब्राह्मण फिर भी संतुष्ट न हुआ और उसने कर्ण से पुनः कहा।
नारद उवाच
The verse highlights that ethical breaches can generate consequences that are not automatically erased by material compensation; gifts may express remorse, but dharma emphasizes intention, truthfulness, and the gravity of harm done.
After receiving a curse, Karṇa attempts to appease the offended brāhmaṇa by offering cows, wealth, and jewels. The brāhmaṇa then speaks again, implying that the curse and its moral force remain a serious matter.