Section CLXXXVI - Bhishma's dream revelation of divine weapon for defeating Rama
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXXVI including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Bhishma, after a fierce battle with Jamadagni’s son, felt helpless in defeating him and sought guidance from the gods and Brahmanas in a dream. In the dream, the Brahmanas assured Bhishma of their protection and informed him about a powerful weapon, Prasvapa, unknown to Rama or anyone else on earth. They advised Bhishma to remember and use this weapon to put Rama to sleep, not to kill him, and then awaken him with another weapon called Samvodhana. These divine beings encouraged Bhishma to vanquish Rama using the Prasvapa to achieve victory without incurring any sin. Bhishma was instructed to apply this plan in the upcoming battle with Rama, ensuring his defeat and victory on the battlefield. The dream visions of the Brahmanas inspired Bhishma with a strategic advantage to overcome his formidable opponent.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXXVI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CLXXXVI:
FAQs:
What weapon did Bhishma use to defeat Rama in battle? Bhishma used the Prasvapa weapon, unknown to Rama or anyone else on earth. It put Rama to sleep, allowing Bhishma to emerge victorious. How did Bhishma receive guidance from the Brahmanas? While sleeping, the Brahmanas appeared in a dream, reassuring Bhishma of victory. They instructed him to use the Prasvapa weapon against Rama.
Daily life: Bhishma's dream revelation of divine weapon for defeating Rama:
The story of Bhishma reflects on seeking guidance during times of struggle and the reassurance from unexpected sources. In our daily lives, facing challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, akin to Bhishma's battle with Jamadagni's son. It reminds us that during tough times, taking a moment for introspection can lead to finding inner strength and solutions that seemed elusive. Just as Bhishma was counseled in his dream by the sages, support and wisdom can come in various forms, including from within ourselves or from those around us who care.
This tale underlines the importance of not giving up hope and being open to guidance, encouraging us to remember past lessons or skills that may aid us in the present. Additionally, it suggests that solutions don't always involve direct confrontation or force; sometimes, creative or unorthodox approaches, symbolized by the unique weapon Prasvapa, can lead to overcoming obstacles. In our lives, this can translate to finding peaceful resolutions or innovative ways to approach problems, ensuring we don't harm others or ourselves in the process. Lastly, persistence and the belief in one's self, guided by wisdom from past experiences or the advice of others, can illuminate the path to conquering our challenges.