The rishi raised Karna’s arm until it was horizontal, pointing out in front of him, his left palm down.
‘We can take it a step further. I am going to force up your forearm so that your arm becomes bent at the elbow. You must try to stop me.’
Karna tried to stiffen his arm, but he could not prevent the rishi from bending it up.
‘Relax.’ Parashu straightened Karna’s arm again.
‘This time, Karna, point your fingers out and imagine that arrows are flying out from each of them.’
Now the rishi was unable to bend Karna’s arm.
‘And you think a mantra can do this to a man’s heart?’
‘Some mantras do seem to have this effect, Karna. The mantras of the snake are like this.’
‘So there is no magic in them?’
The rishi laughed. ‘You should know what the mouse says about magic!’
‘Yes... It is Kal
