In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna highlighting an important concept of our “Sanaatana Dharma” – The “Guru-Sishya” relationship. Through whatever we’re witnessing right now as part of this section of the “Shaanti Parva”, Bhagawan Krishna tries to bring out the fact that the “Guru-Sishya” relationship is a step higher than even the “Bhagawan-Bhakta” relationship in a way. The key point to be noted here is that, even though Bhagawan Krishna (An epitome of “Dharma” Himself) is amidst the Pandava brothers, He wants Yudishtra to learn the principles of “Dharma” from Bhishmachaarya, who is taking the position of a “Guru”. Bhagawan Krishna feels that there can be no greater “Guru” than Bhishmachaarya for Yudishtra at this stage, and hence, He drives Yudishtra and Co. towards Bhishmachaarya to seek the highest level of knowledge and wisdom from him, before he breathes his last. All of us know that Bhishmachaarya is currently in the last days of his life, while being in the “Arrow bed” and is waiting for the “Uttharayana” time period to leave his body and travel to “Moksha”. Hence, before Bhishmachaarya breathes his last, Bhagawan Krishna wants his profound knowledge and wisdom to be passed on to the next generation (Yudishtra and the Pandava brothers), so that it doesn’t get stagnated with Bhishmachaarya itself.
Moving on thus, as Bhagawan Krishna and the Pandavas make their way to the Kurukshetra battlefield yet again, they cross through several dead bodies, broken chariots, weapons and blood. Finally searching and navigating their way through, they reach the place where Bhishmachaarya is lying down. We can worship this very place today as well – In today’s Kurukshetra city in the Indian state of Haryana, there is a place by name “Bhishma-Kund”. Here is where Bhishmachaarya was lying down for several days, waiting for the right time to attain “Moksha”. Today, there is a “Vigraha” (Statue) of Bhishmachaarya lying on the bed of arrows, for all of us to worship. There is also a small pond nearby, which is believed to be the one which Arjuna created for Bhishmachaarya to drink water from it. This pond came from below the earth’s surface through Arjuna’s “Vaarunaasthram” and through this arrangement, Arjuna brought the water from River Ganga for Bhishmachaarya to drink and quench his thirst.
Thus, as the Pandavas led by Bhagawan Krishna reach Bhishma-Kund, Bhishmachaarya understands that some people are coming towards him. Due to his weakness, he is unable to even open his eyes properly and see who is coming towards him. However, by the sounds that are being emitted by the people coming closer, Bhishmachaarya understands that it is none other than Bhagawan Krishna who has come to see him! We’ve witnessed earlier that Bhishmachaarya has been meditating upon Bhagawan Krishna for some time now, and Bhagawan Krishna has reciprocated Bhishmachaarya’s call! Upon understanding this, Bhishmachaarya is in tears of joy! He forgets for a moment that he is in acute physical pain, and rejoices at the fact that Bhagawan has come in search of him! As Bhagawan comes closer, He pays His respects to Bhishmachaarya, which makes the latter’s heart melt! Who is paying respect to whom? A “Paramatman” paying respects to an ordinary “Jeevaatman”? Can this even happen? Bhishmachaarya is moved to tears!
This might be a very small gesture from Bhagawan Krishna, but conveys a very important message – The importance that Bhagawan Krishna is giving to a “Guru”! Even if it is none other than Bhagawan Himself, He too has to bow down in front of a “Guru”, and this is the core of our “Sanaatana Dharma”. As Bhagawan pays His respect thus, Bhishmachaarya couldn’t keep quiet. He heaps praises on Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Krishna! You might be physically younger to me by age, but I understand that you are the all-pervasive supreme Bhagawan for this entire world! It is only because of your divine “Anugraha” that this world is forging ahead peacefully with “Dharma”. You’ve played a vital role in restoring “Dharma” in this world, and there cannot be a second thought on this! Oh Keshav (Bhagawan Krishna)! I do not mind even for a single moment that I’m badly injured and lying down like this helplessly! I know the mistakes I’ve committed and it’s my “Karma” that I’m experiencing through this sad state of affairs! However, I’m extremely happy that you’ve come in search of me. Ideally it should have been the other way round – I should have come to see you. But given my present condition, that might not be possible! You’ve understood this perfectly and have come all the way to see me! I do not know how thankful I should be towards you!”
Saying thus, Bhishmachaarya chokes into tears! He is unable to talk any further! Yet again, this is a divine illustration of how a “Guru” conducts himself in front of Bhagawan. A “Guru” is someone who is of the highest level of “Bhakti” towards Bhagawan. The moment Bhaagwan is in his vicinity, either physically or intellectually, a Guru’s heart automatically starts melting towards Him! This indicates the strong bonding between Bhagawan and the Guru. Only such people can explain the significance of Bhagawan to the world, isn’t it? So for today, let us understand up to this important point, and we shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 