Section CVIII - The plan to defeat Bhishma in battle: Arjuna seeks Krishna's guidance
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CVIII 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:
The battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas continued until dusk, with Bhishma proving to be a formidable foe, causing great destruction to the Pandava forces. Yudhishthira, seeing the plight of his troops and the prowess of Bhishma, decided to withdraw his forces from the battlefield. Distressed by the situation, Yudhishthira sought counsel from Krishna on how to defeat Bhishma and achieve victory in the battle. Krishna assured Yudhishthira that he, along with Arjuna, would fight Bhishma and secure victory for the Pandavas.
Yudhishthira then revealed his plan to Krishna to approach Bhishma and ask for his advice on how to defeat him in battle. Bhishma, upon being approached, revealed that as long as he remained armed and fought carefully, he was invincible. However, if his weapons were laid aside, he could be defeated. Bhishma advised that Arjuna, with Sikhandin before him, should attack him in battle as Sikhandin was formerly a female and Bhishma had vowed not to strike him. Bhishma's plan was to use this opportunity for Arjuna to overpower him.
Upon hearing Bhishma's plan, the Pandavas, along with Krishna, returned to their camp and Arjuna expressed his reluctance to fight against Bhishma, who was like a father figure to him. Krishna reminded Arjuna of his vow to slay Bhishma and encouraged him to fulfill his duty as a Kshatriya. Arjuna then decided to follow Bhishma's plan and use Sikhandin as a shield in battle to defeat Bhishma. With this plan in place, Arjuna was ready to face Bhishma on the battlefield.
The next day, the Pandavas, with Arjuna leading the way with Sikhandin before him, confronted Bhishma in battle. As predicted, Bhishma refrained from attacking Sikhandin, allowing Arjuna to focus his efforts on defeating the formidable warrior. With Sikhandin as a shield and Arjuna's prowess in battle, they were able to overcome Bhishma and secure victory for the Pandavas. Bhishma, true to his word, fought valiantly but met his end in the battle, fulfilling the prophecy and paving the way for the Pandavas to achieve their goal.
After Bhishma's defeat, the Pandavas emerged victorious in the battle, thanks to their careful planning and strategy. Bhishma's sacrifice and wisdom played a crucial role in guiding the Pandavas towards victory. The battle showcased the importance of duty and sacrifice in the pursuit of righteousness and justice. Through their perseverance and unity, the Pandavas were able to overcome the challenges they faced and emerge triumphant in the great Kurukshetra war.
Full English translation:
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Section CVIII, 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 CVIII:
How did the battle between the Pandavas and Bhishma come to an end?
The battle ended at twilight when Yudhishthira withdrew his forces after seeing his troops slaughtered by Bhishma. They later sought advice from Bhishma regarding the means of his death.
What advice did Bhishma give to the Pandavas during the consultation?
Bhishma advised the Pandavas to have Arjuna use Sikhandin as a shield in battle. He mentioned that he would not fight Sikhandin due to past circumstances, creating an opportunity for Arjuna to defeat him.
How did Arjuna initially feel about fighting against Bhishma?
Arjuna hesitated to fight against Bhishma due to their close relationship and reverence towards him. He felt conflicted about the idea of targeting his elder and someone he considered like a father.
What role did Sikhandin play in the strategy to defeat Bhishma?
Sikhandin was used as a shield by Arjuna in battle against Bhishma. Bhishma refrained from attacking Sikhandin due to their past history, creating an opportunity for Arjuna to defeat him.
What did Krishna advise Arjuna regarding the duty of a Kshatriya in battle?
Krishna reminded Arjuna of the duty of a Kshatriya to fight and protect, even against formidable foes like Bhishma. He emphasized the need to fulfill his vow to slay Bhishma for the greater good.
How did the Pandavas and Bhishma part ways after their consultation?
After seeking advice from Bhishma, the Pandavas, along with Krishna, departed with rejoicing hearts, having strategized a plan to defeat Bhishma in battle using Sikhandin as a shield.
Daily life: The plan to defeat Bhishma in battle: Arjuna seeks Krishna's guidance:
The story from the Mahabharata detailed above, where the Pandavas seek a way to overcome the invincible Bhishma on the battlefield, encapsulates deep life lessons on strategy, seeking advice, and facing formidable challenges. In everyday life, just like the Pandavas faced Bhishma, we too come across obstacles that seem insurmountable. The first step to overcoming them, as demonstrated by the Pandavas, is to not shy away but to face these challenges head-on, acknowledging the strength and magnitude of the obstacle.
The Pandavas' recourse to seeking Bhishma’s advice on his own defeat teaches us the value of wisdom and guidance from those more experienced or knowledgeable, even if they stand on the opposing side. This action underscores the importance of humility and the understanding that insight can come from the least expected places. It reminds us that sometimes, to overcome obstacles in our paths, we may need to engage with our challenges, ask the right questions, and be open to receiving answers, regardless of the source.
Another crucial lesson is the aspect of strategy and using available resources efficiently, as illustrated when Arjuna decides to put Sikhandin in front of him to fight Bhishma. This teaches us the importance of strategic planning and leveraging our unique advantages or resources in the face of challenges. It shows that success often requires careful thought, planning, and sometimes, approaching problems from different angles or with innovative solutions.
Lastly, the passage highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The Pandavas, realizing they could not defeat Bhishma alone, came together, pooling their wisdom, strength, and resources to devise a strategy. This teaches us that complex problems often require collective effort and that by working together, sharing ideas, and supporting each other, we can overcome even the most formidable challenges in our lives.