Shloka 32
Nara-Nārāyaṇa Precedent and Bhīṣma’s Counsel on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna; Karṇa’s Reply
राज्ञो हि धृतराष्ट्रस्य सर्व कार्य प्रियं मया । तथा दुर्योधनस्थापि स हि राज्ये समाहित:
rājño hi dhṛtarāṣṭrasya sarva kārya priyaṃ mayā | tathā duryodhanasyāpi sa hi rājye samāhitaḥ ||
Karna nói: “Quả thật, ta luôn xem mọi việc của vua Dhṛtarāṣṭra là điều đáng quý và đáng để ta nâng đỡ; và cũng vậy, ta coi chính nghĩa của Duryodhana là đáng quý—vì chàng đã vững vàng, một lòng hướng đến vương quyền.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension between personal allegiance and broader righteousness: Karna frames his stance as steadfast loyalty to Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s affairs and to Duryodhana’s claim to rule, emphasizing commitment and political fidelity even when moral scrutiny may arise.
In Udyoga Parva, amid negotiations and preparations leading toward war, Karna speaks to affirm where his support lies: he declares that he favors Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s interests and also stands with Duryodhana, portraying Duryodhana as firmly set on sovereignty and thus the focal point of his allegiance.