Section CLXVI - Bhishma's counsel to Duryodhana about warriors in Kaurava army
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXVI 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:
Dhritarashtra seeks to know what happened after Arjuna vowed to kill Bhishma in battle, fearing the worst for his father figure. Sanjaya relays Bhishma's words to Duryodhana, where he assures him of victory and agrees to lead the Kaurava army into battle. Duryodhana expresses confidence in Bhishma and Drona, believing that victory is assured with their leadership. Bhishma then proceeds to identify the key warriors in the Kaurava army, including Duryodhana and his brothers, as well as warriors like Kritavarman, Salya, and Bhurisravas, who are all hailed as mighty fighters capable of defeating the Pandavas.
Bhishma highlights the prowess of Duryodhana and his brothers, stating that they are skilled in combat and have learned from renowned teachers like Drona and Kripa. He also praises Kritavarman, Salya, and Bhurisravas as formidable warriors who will play crucial roles in the upcoming battle. Bhishma's assessment of the Kaurava army's strength and leadership instills confidence in Duryodhana and boosts his morale for the impending war. Bhishma's words serve to motivate the Kauravas and reinforce their belief in their ability to emerge victorious.
Bhishma further identifies key warriors like the king of the Madras, Salya, and the king of the Sindhus, as formidable opponents for the Pandavas. He describes Salya as a warrior equal to Vasudeva (Krishna) himself and predicts that he will wreak havoc on the Pandava army. Similarly, he praises the king of the Sindhus for his prowess in battle and his determination to seek revenge against the Pandavas for past grievances. Bhishma's insights into the strengths of the Kaurava army and their warriors further solidify Duryodhana's belief in their ability to conquer the Pandavas in the upcoming conflict.
In summary, Bhishma's words serve to reassure Duryodhana of victory in the impending battle, highlighting the strengths of key warriors in the Kaurava army. His assessment of the combatants' skills and capabilities boosts the morale of the Kauravas and instills confidence in their ability to defeat the Pandavas. Bhishma's leadership and strategic insight provide a sense of hope and determination to Duryodhana and his army as they prepare for the ultimate showdown against their cousins in the Kurukshetra war.
Full English translation:
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Section CLXVI, 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 CLXVI:
What did Bhishma promise Duryodhana and the Kauravas in the battle?
Bhishma promised to lead the Kaurava army, protect them, and defeat the Pandavas.
Who were some of the prominent warriors mentioned in Bhishma's army?
Duryodhana, Kritavarman, Salya, Bhurisravas, and the king of the Sindhus were prominent warriors mentioned.
How did Bhishma plan to defeat the Pandavas in battle?
He identified skilled warriors in his army and assured Duryodhana of victory.
Daily life: Bhishma's counsel to Duryodhana about warriors in Kaurava army:
The essence of this story from the Mahabharata, wherein Bhishma promises Duryodhana to lead his forces with unmatched expertise and lists the warriors considered Rathas and Atirathas, can inspire us in our daily lives by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing the strengths and skills of those around us. Just as Bhishma assessed the capabilities of his warriors to strategically position them for battle, we too can apply this principle by acknowledging the unique talents and abilities of individuals in our teams or communities, placing them in roles where they can contribute most effectively.
In daily life, this story encourages us to face challenges with confidence, especially when we have prepared ourselves well or have strong support systems in place. It teaches us not to underestimate the value of experience and wisdom, as demonstrated by Bhishma's leadership, and the power of dedication and loyalty to a cause or goal. Moreover, it underscores the significance of commitment and perseverance, illustrated by the warriors' readiness to fight despite potential consequences, showing us the impact determination and resolve can have in overcoming obstacles.
In essence, by applying these principles—valuing the strengths of individuals, approaching challenges with confidence, leveraging wisdom and experience, and committing with determination—we can cultivate a supportive and effective environment that maximizes our collective success. This timeless lesson teaches us the power of unity and strategic planning in achieving any goal.