In the previous episode, we had witnessed a beautiful event unfolding at the Kurukshetra battlefield, wherein Bhagawan Krishna comes to see Bhishmachaarya and spend some time with him during his last moments. Upon understanding that Bhagawan has come searching for him (rather than being the other way round), Bhishmachaarya welcomes Him with tears of gratitude. Due to his age and also due to his current state of affairs, Bhishmachaarya is unable to see Bhagawan Krishna properly with his two eyes. However, he correctly understands that Bhagawan has come near him. Thus, as Bhagawan arrives, Bhishmachaarya heaps praise on Him for protecting the Hastinapura kingdom through the path of “Dharma”. Bhishmachaarya feels guilty of being on the wrong side during the war. However, even though Bhagawan Krishna would have been on the opponent’s side, Bhishmachaarya’s “Bhakti” towards Bhagawan did not come down an inch. We’ve seen this during the discussion of the first ten days of the war as well. We’ve seen how Bhagawan Krishna had a high reputation towards Bhishmachaarya even then, and vice-versa.
Thus, through all these incidents, as mentioned earlier, the concept of “Guru-Sishya” relationship takes the centre-stage here. In this present context, we’re also witnessing a very important characteristic of a “Guru” – A real Spiritual Master is the one whose heart melts with Bhakti, the moment he sees Bhagawan in front of him! It is only because of this heart-melting, the Guru gets the highest status to talk and propagate about Bhagawan and His divine significance. This can be seen in several instances in our “Sanaatana Dharma” literature. In this same Mahabharata, we’ve seen how Vidura was an ardent “Bhakta” of Bhagawan Krishna. The moment Bhagawan entered Vidura’s house (during His visit to Hastinapura as the “Paandava-Dhoota”), Vidura’s heart melted for Him the same way as we’re seeing here. This is why Vidura is considered a great “Mahatma” and a Spiritual Master, and the “Vidura Neeti” which we’ve seen earlier, holds enormous significance. In similar lines, Hanuman also exhibited the same characteristic towards Bhagawan Rama. We’ve again witnessed this during our Shrimad Ramayana project, wherein Hanuman’s heart melts immediately the moment he worships Bhagawan Rama for the first time. Thereafter there was no looking back – Hanuman played a vital role of a “Guru” (Aachaarya) in explaining the significance of Bhagawan to Mother Sita and thereby uniting both of them once again!
So in these lines, we can see that our “Sanaatana Dharma” literature is packed with the enormous significance of the “Guru” and how the “Guru” plays a vital role in moulding the Sishya’s pursuit towards the path of “Dharma”. Moving forward from here, Bhishmachaarya continues further thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! You are completely surrounded by “Maya” (Illusion). Very few people in this world know that you are the ultimate “Paramatman”. Thousands of people have lost their lives not because of Yudishtra or Arjuna or anyone else. They’ve not realized this fact that you are the ultimate Bhagawan who is protecting this world. Had this realization happened, this war would not have taken place at all!”
As Bhishmachaarya says these words, Bhagawan Krishna smiles and picks up the conversation from this point. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh great Bhishmachaarya! You’ve touched upon a very important point here. This is the reason I’ve asked Yudishtra to come and meet you! He is thinking that he was the one who destroyed everybody in the battlefield and is constantly feeling guilty about it. I’m requesting you to render him some important words of advice, and I’m sure if he listens to you, he will get the much needed clarity as a king. Oh Bhishmachaarya! Are you in a position to render these important pieces of advice to Yudishtra as divine words of wisdom?” As Bhagawan Krishna asks thus, Bhishmachaarya starts feeling shy! He lets out a small laugh and replies back to Bhagawan thus, “Oh Keshav! Oh Vasudeva! I do not know why you want me to talk about these things. You are an epitome of all “Dharma” put together! Instead of you doing the talking, why do you want me to do it? Moreover, I’m not in a position currently to give such a lengthy accord. I’m struggling to talk even a few words at length. How will I be able to render something which you have to do?” For this, Bhagawan immediately responds thus, “Oh Bhishmacharya! Please do not worry about your physical limitations! I’m providing you my divine “Anugraha”, with which you will be able to talk for hours together! But I want you to do the talking, rather than me doing it! The “Dharma” and wisdom should always come through the words of an “Acharyaa” / “Guru” while passing it onto the next generation. Yudishtra has a lot to learn. He still doesn’t know the reality of life. Hence, I’m leaving it you to take over from here!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna provides His divine “Anugraha” and with this, Bhishmachaarya gets ready to talk with Yudishtra! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall commence with the marquee discussion! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 