Acharya Prashant explains that neither Duryodhana nor Karna can be considered the sole central figure or cause of the war; rather, they represent specific mental tendencies or instincts that exist within everyone. Duryodhana symbolizes the restless urge for power, authority, and the desire to rule at any cost, even by discarding righteousness. This instinct is universal and capable of creating or recruiting many 'Karnas' to serve its purpose. Acharya Prashant clarifies that Duryodhana essentially 'created' the historical Karna by recognizing his skill and resentment toward Arjuna, then offering him a kingdom to secure his loyalty. Without Duryodhana's invitation and elevation, Karna would have remained a skilled but obscure individual in a small village. Conversely, Karna represents the deep-seated urge for identity, recognition, and social status. Having been raised as a charioteer's son while possessing great intellect and prowess, Karna lived with a constant thirst to prove his worth and discover his true lineage. This desperate need for validation made him susceptible to being used. Acharya Prashant points out that Karna also 'created' his own Duryodhana; he needed someone who could grant him the status and throne he craved. Their relationship was one of mutual exploitation: Duryodhana used Karna for strength and revenge, while Karna used Duryodhana for identity and rank. Both were driven by their internal fires of ambition and lack, leading to a tragic end. Acharya Prashant warns that highly ambitious people, driven by such internal voids, view others only as tools for their own satisfaction and are incapable of true love or compassion.
