Posted:
I got to know that several members had complained against me last night for the debate on Karna that I had started.
First of all - my sincere apologies for having offended your feelings. It was unintentional, though. A non- AT does not mean a Criticism AT.
I often throw such debates open to my students and the arguments are often enlightening. That was my purpose here too.
That's why at the very outset I has asked the members to substantiate their arguments with examples / quotes, since I have found that arguments tend to be rational when backed with examples.
Nevertheless, how and when the debate spun out of control, I have no idea since by the time I came back, I found the thread securely under lock and key.
I do sincerely believe that it is possible to have a rational, level headed, enlightening discussions- without getting passionate and emotional. Think of the American Presidential Debates. Running to the DT - whining about every post that is contrary to one's views is reminiscent of Kindergarten children complaining to their Class Teacher- "Miss...he called me Motu" 😆
In any case- I reiterate- If my single solitary post had offended anyone's feelings, I do apologize.
There's one another thing which I would like to say to the Karna admirers before I bid adieu. And I wanted to highlight that through this thread- if only you guys had given me the chance.
It can be argued that Karna did NOT call Draupadi a prostitute / Vaishya / wh**e...etc etc.
It is widely beleived that Karna called Draupadi despicable names when she had been forcible dragged into the court. This point is often held against Karna, and KMG's translation also reiterates the same but the beauty of Sanskrit is that it lends itself to multiple explanations. And one thing we are taught while learning Sanskrit is to analyze whether a verse can interpreted differently from the intended meaning.
The relevant sloka is this
eko bhart striy devair vihita kurunandana
iya tv anekavaag bandhakti vinicit.
iya tv anekavaag bandhakti vinicit.
The key word here is 'bandhaka'. While one of the meanings of this word is 'courtesan' which is what KMG uses, it can also mean 'tied to / attached to'.
So what Karna actually said can also be this: While the Gods have ordained one man as husband for a woman, this woman here is attached to / tied to many men.
Again in the next line according to KMG, Karna asks the clothes of Pandavas and Draupadi to be snatched. But see the actual line
38 dusana sublo 'ya vikara prjavdika
pavn ca vssi draupady cpy uphara
pavn ca vssi draupady cpy uphara
KMG translates uphaara as apahara - meaning "take off forcibly". But the actual word is uphaara. Hence this line can also mean " Not only the Pandavas but their clothes and even Draupadi's have been gifted to us"
If this meaning is taken, then Karna does not order anyone's stripping - least of all Draupadi's. It is Dushashana who does the honours.
I did want to bring these points to the Karna admirers's notice but...was hounded out. I hopeI have given all the Karna's admirers something to cheer about.
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