06.117
Pancharatra and Core: Karna visits Bhishma and takes his blessings to engage in war.
Sanjaya said.
Then all the kings returned to their homes once more, falling silent as Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, lay silent, O great king.
Upon hearing of Bhishma's fall, Radheya, known as Karna, felt a slight fear but quickly approached with urgency.
He saw the great soul, who was lying on a bed of arrows, as if he had come to his birth-bed, resembling the god Kartikeya, the lord.
The greatly radiant bull, with tears in its throat, approached the hero with closed eyes and fell at his feet.
I am Radheya, O best of the Kurus, always dependent on you, though extremely hateful and innocent, thus he indeed spoke to him.
Upon hearing that, the elder of the Kurus, with his eyes forcibly closed, slowly looked up with affection and spoke these words.
Upon seeing the empty throne and dismissing the guards, Bhishma embraced him with one arm, as a father would embrace his son.
"Come, come, my opponent, you are competing with me. If you do not approach me, your welfare will certainly not be assured."
There is no doubt that you are known as the son of Kunti, not as the son of Radha, as informed to me by Narada, Krishna Dvaipayana, and Keshava.
Dear father, I bear no hatred towards you. I assure you, I speak the truth. However, I have uttered harsh words to diminish your splendor.
Suddenly, I think you indeed hate the Pāṇḍavas, as you are often urged harshly by someone, O son of the Sun.
I am aware of your valor in battle, which is unbearable for enemies, as well as your devotion to Brahman, heroism, and supreme excellence in generosity.
There is no one among men comparable to you, resembling a god. Considering the family distinction, I have always spoken harshly.
In skills of archery, bearing weight, agility, and strength of weapons, you are comparable to Arjuna and the great soul Krishna.
Karna went to the royal city alone with a bow, and for the sake of the Kuru king, he crushed the kings in battle.
Thus, the mighty king Jarāsandha, known for his prowess in battle, was not deemed your equal in combat.
He is devoted to Brahman, speaks the truth, and is like another sun in brilliance; born of a divine womb, unconquered in battle, and superior to men on earth.
Today, the anger I once held towards you has been dispelled. It is impossible to overcome fate with human effort.
O slayer of enemies, the Pāṇḍavas, who are your heroic brothers, should be united with you, O mighty-armed one, if you desire my favor.
"Let the enmity be ended by me, O son of Aditi. May all the kings on earth be free from disease today."
Karna said.
I am fully aware, O wise one, of all this without any doubt. As you have stated, O invincible one, I am indeed the son of Kunti and not the son of a charioteer.
I, who was scattered and nurtured by Kunti and the charioteer, having enjoyed the prosperity of Duryodhana, am not able to commit falsehood.
I have sacrificed my wealth, body, and fame, all of which are noble, for the sake of Duryodhana, as a great offering.
The Pāṇḍavas, always angered, have taken refuge in me against Suyodhana.
The inevitable purpose cannot be stopped by anyone. Who would dare to stop fate with human effort?
Grandfather, the omens and signs of the earth's destruction perceived by you have been told in the assembly.
The Pandavas and Vasudeva are well known to me as being invincible by others; hence, we strive for them.
"Father, please allow me to engage in battle with a joyful heart always. With your permission, O hero, it is my intention to fight."
Please forgive any harsh or contradictory words spoken by me in anger or impulsiveness.
Bhishma said.
It is impossible to let go of this intense enmity. Karna, I allow you to fight for the sake of attaining heaven.
Without anger and with calmness, perform the king's duty indeed, according to your ability and enthusiasm, engaging in the conduct of the virtuous.
I grant you permission to achieve what you desire. You will undoubtedly attain the worlds conquered by the duty of a warrior.
Fight without ego, relying on strength and valor. Indeed, for a warrior, there is nothing better than engaging in battle.
I have indeed made efforts for a long time to bring about peace. However, it was not possible to achieve because where there is righteousness, there is victory.
Sanjaya said.
Thus, after saluting and pleasing Bhishma, Karna mounted his chariot and proceeded towards your son.
