Section CLXXXVIII - Bhishma and Rama Battle Conclusion: Brahmanas Convince Desist
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXXXVIII 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, in a fierce battle with Rama, was urged by the gods, including his ancestors and Narada, to desist from using the powerful Prasvapa weapon and show respect to Rama, his preceptor. Initially determined to continue the combat, Bhishma eventually heeded the advice of his well-wishers, including the Pitris and the eight utterers of Brahma. He withdrew the Prasvapa weapon and invoked the Brahma weapon instead, following the counsel of the divine beings. Rama, in turn, was advised by his ancestors and Narada to halt the battle, acknowledging Bhishma's unmatched strength and prowess as a Kshatriya.
Despite his resolve to fight and his refusal to back down initially, Bhishma ultimately chose to honor the words of his well-wishers and the gods, seeking to do what was beneficial for all. The Pitris and the divine beings, recognizing Bhishma's valor and righteousness, advised him to approach Rama and show respect to him as his preceptor. Bhishma, witnessing Rama's cessation from the battle and feeling the affection and approval of his well-wishers, decided to follow their guidance. He approached Rama with reverence, worshiped him, and accepted his preceptor's kind words and blessings.
Rama, acknowledging Bhishma's exceptional skills and valor as a Kshatriya, praised him and expressed his satisfaction with Bhishma's conduct in the combat. He recognized Bhishma's prowess and respected him as an unmatched warrior on Earth. Bhishma, upon receiving Rama's approval and blessings, showcased humility and gratitude towards his preceptor, acknowledging the wisdom and guidance of his well-wishers. The interaction between Bhishma, Rama, and their divine advisors highlighted the importance of respecting one's preceptor and adhering to dharma even in the heat of battle. Their exchange demonstrated the significance of honoring one's elders and seeking guidance from divine beings in moments of conflict and decision-making.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXXXVIII, 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 CLXXXVIII:
What was the conflict between Bhishma and Rama?
Bhishma aimed the Prasvapa weapon at Rama, but gods intervened, advising against the battle.
Why did Rama's ancestors advise him to stop fighting?
Rama's ancestors urged him to cease the battle as Bhishma was formidable.
How did Bhishma and Rama ultimately resolve their conflict?
Bhishma approached Rama with reverence, pleasing the great ascetic.
Daily life: Bhishma and Rama Battle Conclusion: Brahmanas Convince Desist:
The story of Bhishma and Rama showcases the importance of listening to guidance from those who are wiser or more experienced, such as elders or mentors, and highlights the value of humility and restraint. In daily life, this can be translated into being open to advice, especially when facing challenging situations where our initial reactions might lead to unwelcome consequences. It demonstrates that even in moments of intense conflict or competition, recognizing the wisdom in stepping back or altering one’s course can be a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Respecting relationships and honoring those who have guided us, as Bhishma did with his teacher Rama, is crucial. Acknowledging the roles that different individuals play in our lives and showing gratitude towards them fosters an environment of mutual respect and learning. Additionally, the story underscores the importance of adhering to one's principles and duties while also being flexible enough to adapt to the situation at hand for the greater good.
The narrative encourages a balanced approach to conflicts, emphasizing dialogue and peace over victory at any cost. It suggests that sometimes, true victory lies in preserving relationships and harmony rather than proving one's superiority. This wisdom can be applied daily by choosing paths that promote peace and understanding, particularly in resolving disputes, whether in personal relationships or professional settings.