Shloka 21
कर्णपर्व — अध्याय ४०
Karṇa’s Pressure on the Pāñcālas; Duryodhana Disabled; Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
भाषतो बहु काकस्य बलिन: पततां वरा: । इदमूचु: सम चक्राड़ा वच: काक॑ं विहड्भमा:
bhāṣato bahu kākasya balinaḥ patatāṃ varāḥ | idam ūcuḥ sama cakrāṅgā vacaḥ kākaṃ vihagottamāḥ ||
三阇耶说道：听那乌鸦喋喋不休、呱呱高叫，强健的“轮纹鹅”(cakrāṅga)——飞鸟之中最为杰出者——齐声大笑，并对乌鸦说道：“……”此景昭示道德的对照：喧嚣的自我张扬并非真正的力量与价值；智者以揭穿空夸来回应，而不为其声势所慑。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical distinction between loud, repetitive talk and genuine excellence: mere noise or bravado does not confer authority; the truly strong and discerning can recognize and challenge empty boasting.
A crow has been speaking loudly and at length. The powerful cakrāṅga-geese, described as the best among birds, hear him, laugh together, and then begin to reply to the crow.