Shloka 21
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
दुर्योधनं ततो दृष्टवा पाण्डवेन भुशार्दितम् । पराक्रान्तान् पाण्डुसुतान् दृष्टयवा चापि महारथ:
duryodhanaṃ tato dṛṣṭvā pāṇḍavena bhṛśārditam | parākrāntān pāṇḍusutān dṛṣṭvā cāpi mahārathaḥ |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nang magkagayon, nang makita niyang si Duryodhana ay labis na pinahihirapan ng isang Pāṇḍava, at masdan din ang mga anak ni Pāṇḍu na nagpapamalas ng kanilang kagitingan sa labanan, tumugon ang dakilang mandirigmang karwahe na si Karṇa sa kalagayan—ang susunod niyang kilos ay umusbong mula sa katapatan sa kanyang panig, sa gitna ng bigat ng dharma at digmaan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of warfare: when one witnesses suffering on one’s own side and the strength of the opponent, one’s response tests loyalty, courage, and discernment within kṣatriya-dharma. It frames Karna’s impending choice as an ethically charged reaction to visible consequences of conflict.
Sañjaya reports that Duryodhana is seen as badly hurt by a Pāṇḍava (contextually Yudhiṣṭhira), while the Pāṇḍavas are pressing forward with valor. This observation sets up Karna’s next move in the battle narrative.