Chapter 1: Arjuna-viṣāda-yoga: – Transforming Grief into YogaVerse 8

Duryodhana feels like naming his teacher first, disregarding the fact that Bheeshma, his grandfather, is leading the army. In fact, it is for the Commander-in-Chief to array the army as well as direct the battle right from the start, every day. How does he think of suddenly speaking to the next in command, a grave violation of the rules of fighting and the culture of respectful behaviour?

How conveniently he relegates Bheeshma to the second position, so as to feel free to direct Drona himself, in place of Bheeshma. He also lists Karna as the third, bypassing Kripa’s age, experience and merit. All these together make his violation substantial, deserving its own destined outcome.

Seniority and respectfulness are trampled upon by Duryodhana, to blindly give Karna, his trusted friend, undue place.