CHAPTER 12: Karna's Lesson of Equality

After 3 years:

Under the expansive canopy of a sacred Banyan tree, its ancient branches extending like the arms of time itself, a tranquil scene unfolded. The soft rustle of leaves created a soothing melody, a backdrop to the enchanting tableau that held the rapt attention of those present.

In the heart of the shudra community, nestled within the embrace of nature, a three-year-old boy sat in deep meditation. His form radiated an otherworldly aura, a blend of innocence and divinity that captivated the souls of those who beheld him.

The child's eyes were gently closed, lashes casting delicate shadows on his cheeks. His small hands, resting on his lap, exuded an air of serenity as if they held the universe's secrets within their grasp. His countenance, an embodiment of calmness and purity, seemed to echo the ancient wisdom of sages long past.

Around him, a small group of people sat in reverent silence, their hearts and minds drawn to the child's presence like moths to a flame. Their eyes, filled with awe and wonder, bore witness to a sight that defied ordinary understanding.

Man 1 (whispering): Look at him... a mere child, yet he emanates a radiance that soothes the soul.

Woman 1 (nodding): It's as if the divine itself has taken residence within him. Such purity in one so young is truly rare.

The whispers of those gathered formed a symphony of amazement, their words woven with threads of reverence and curiosity.

Man 2: Who is this child, and how does he possess such an aura of sanctity?

Old Man (smiling): They say he is Karna, a child born under the blessings of gods.. A true marvel of our world.

As the conversation ebbed and flowed, the child named Karna remained ensconced in his meditation, his form bathed in a soft, golden glow. The gentle rays of the sun filtered through the branches, casting a warm halo around him.

Man 3: I've heard stories of great sages and their austerities. But this... this child embodies a wisdom beyond his years.

Woman 2: Indeed. It's said that his very presence exudes a tranquility that can heal hearts and mend spirits.

The child's appearance seemed to transcend his age. His complexion, a radiant blend of gold and bronze, bore the mark of divine ancestry. His hair, dark and lustrous, flowed like the cascading waters of the Ganges, hinting at his connection to the celestial realms.

Old Woman: Look at his eyes... they seem to hold a universe within them.

The child's closed eyelids concealed the depths of his gaze, yet his aura conveyed an awareness that surpassed the limitations of his tender years. His presence radiated a sense of unity with all that surrounded him—the tree, the earth, and the very heavens above.

As the moments passed, the child's meditation seemed to ripple through the air, creating an ethereal connection that touched the hearts of those present. The whispers of those around him gradually faded, leaving only a sacred hush that matched the solemnity of the scene.

Woman 3: I feel a sense of peace wash over me. It's as if the burdens of life have momentarily lifted.

Man 4: The child's connection to the divine is undeniable. To witness such purity is a rare blessing.

The breeze gently stirred the leaves, and the golden light that enveloped the child seemed to shimmer with a transcendental energy. Time itself appeared to stand still, as if the universe paused to acknowledge the profound moment of communion between the mortal and the divine.

Under the Banyan tree, the three-year-old Karna, avatar of Lord Shiva and bearer of Surya Dev's light, continued his meditation. His presence, like a beacon of serenity, cast a transformative spell over all who beheld him, leaving an indelible mark on their souls.

Amidst this scene of tranquility, a distant sound reached Karna's ears, gently pulling him from his meditative state. His eyes fluttered open, and he turned his gaze in the direction of the commotion.

A few meters away, near a well that stood as a symbol of life's sustenance, a confrontation unfolded. A vaishya man, his face contorted with anger, raised his voice in scolding tones at a group of shudras who had come to fetch water.

Vaishya Man (angry): How dare you shudras take water from this well? Know your place and show respect for those above you!

The shudras, recipients of the vaishya's wrath, stood with downcast eyes, their expressions a mix of humiliation and frustration. The well, which had quenched the thirst of many over the ages, had unwittingly become a battleground for a social divide that ran deep.

Karna, his heart stirred by the scene before him, rose from his meditation and walked purposefully toward the well. His presence seemed to command a hush, as if nature itself recognized the divine energy that surrounded him.

Karna (calmly): Pray tell, what is the source of this turmoil?

Vaishya Man (turning to Karna): Who are you to question our affairs? what a child like you know?These shudras dare to pollute the purity of this well by their mere presence.

Karna's gaze held a gentle yet unwavering intensity, and his words resonated like the ripples of a tranquil pond.

Karna: Purity, my uncle, is not determined by caste or social standing. The waters of this well, bestowed upon us by the benevolence of the heavens, flow to quench the thirst of all living beings. Does the sun withhold its light from anyone, regardless of their station?

The vaishya man's anger seemed to waver in the face of Karna's calm wisdom. He exchanged uncertain glances with his fellow vaishyas, their confidence momentarily shaken.

Karna (continuing): The shastras teach us that all are born of the same cosmic essence, and all are equal in the eyes of the divine. The air we breathe, the earth we tread upon—these gifts are not confined by the artificial boundaries of caste.

A murmur of agreement began to ripple through the gathering, the shudras nodding in affirmation of Karna's words.

Shudra Woman (softly): The child speaks the truth. Our souls are no different, no matter the station we occupy in this world.

Karna's voice, infused with a resonance that seemed to draw its power from the very cosmos, continued to weave its spell.

Karna: When you quench your thirst from this well, do you pause to consider the caste of the water that nourishes you? The divine does not discriminate, and neither should we.

The vaishya man's anger was replaced by a contemplative silence, his stance shifting as he absorbed Karna's words. The shudras, emboldened by Karna's support, began to hold their heads a little higher.

Vaishya Man (softening): I... I hadn't thought of it in that way.

Karna (smiling): It is never too late to embrace the truth and reshape our perceptions. Let us remember that our souls are bound by a universal kinship that transcends earthly designations.

As the tension dissipated and the crowd gradually dispersed, a newfound sense of unity seemed to linger in the air. Karna's presence, like a catalyst of change, had illuminated the hearts of those present, reminding them of the fundamental principles that underpinned the universe.

Shudra Man (grateful): Thank you, child, for your wisdom and compassion.

Karna (with a nod): I am but a vessel for the truths that flow through the cosmos. May your actions reflect the understanding we have shared today.

Karna's gaze, infused with the divine light of Mahadev, lingered on the well—the well that had become a stage for a lesson in equality and unity. As he returned to his meditation beneath the Banyan tree, his heart swelled with a sense of purpose, knowing that his presence had served to bridge the gap between humanity's divisions.

Amidst this tranquil scene, a figure approached, her heart aglow with a mix of awe and adoration. Radha, the mother of Karna, walked silently toward her son, her steps guided by an invisible thread of love and connection.

Radha's gaze rested upon Karna, his innocent visage illuminated by an inner light that seemed to mirror the divine. Her heart swelled with a sense of profound gratitude and wonder, for she knew that her son was no ordinary child.

As she stood there, observing the child who had become the center of her world, memories of Karna's early years began to flood her mind. The first time he had spoken, the word "Mata," had filled her heart with indescribable joy. That single word, spoken in his melodious voice, had forged a bond between mother and child that was unbreakable.

Radha (whispering to herself): "Mata"... The first sound that touched my ears, the first word that left your lips. You've been a source of immeasurable joy, my dear Karna.

Her thoughts then wandered to the days of Karna's upbringing. She remembered how he had always been eager to learn, his young mind absorbing knowledge like a sponge. She had instilled in him the values of respect, compassion, and kindness, and Karna had embraced those teachings with a maturity that exceeded his tender years.

Radha (smiling): You may be young in years, my Karna, but your soul is ancient, carrying the wisdom of ages.

Her gaze shifted to Karna's serene expression, a face that seemed eternally content. She recalled how he had never shown a preference for anything in particular—no toys, no treats—always embodying a sense of simple satisfaction.

Radha (softly): You find contentment in the smallest of things, my child. Your presence alone is enough to fill my heart with joy.

As Radha continued to reflect on her son's unique qualities, her heart swelled with pride. Karna's ability to see beyond the divisions that often plagued society was a testament to his innate wisdom and compassion.

Radha (thoughtfully): You treat everyone as equals, Karna. You hold no prejudice, no bias. Animals, humans—they are all friends to you.

A smile played on Radha's lips as she recalled the countless times she had witnessed animals flocking to Karna, drawn by his gentle presence. Birds perched on his shoulders, and deer approached him fearlessly, as if sensing the purity of his heart.

Radha (whispering): Even nature itself recognizes your divinity, my son.

In the midst of her reverie, Radha's eyes welled with tears, tears of gratitude for the gift that had been bestowed upon her. She felt a deep connection to the gods who had chosen her to be the mother of Karna, the avatar of Lord Shiva.

Radha (with a heart full of emotion): To the gods who sent you to me, I offer my eternal gratitude. You've blessed me with a child whose presence is a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness.

With a soft sigh, Radha took a step closer to Karna and knelt beside him. Her fingers gently brushed his hair, and she marveled at the peace that seemed to emanate from him.

Radha (whispering): You are a gift beyond measure, Karna. Your very existence fills my days with purpose and love.

As she lingered beside her meditating son, Radha's heart was filled with a sense of serenity and fulfillment. The bond between mother and child, forged in the fires of destiny, was a sacred connection that transcended time and space.

Radha (closing her eyes in silent prayer): May you continue to shine your light upon this world, my Karna. And may I always be there to guide and protect you, just as you have done for me.

And so, beneath the Banyan tree, mother and son shared a moment of profound connection—a silent exchange of love, gratitude, and the unbreakable bond that existed between them. The world may have seen Karna as a child, but to Radha, he was a divine presence that had illuminated her life in ways she could never have imagined.

Radha: Karna,My dear you don't eat anything from morning,come with me to eat or I will become sad.

Karna sensing his mother near him and hearing her words,he slowly opened his eyes and when his eyes met his mother,he first touched her legs for blessing and hugged her.

Karna:Mata how can you get? If you get sad your karna can't also be happy.

Radha seeing her son love,she became very happy.

Radha:come my dear,we should go home,I made food in the house.

To be continued......