tato bhīṣmo 'bhivadat prahṛṣṭo dharmarājaṃ tadā
“Then Bhishma, rejoiced, addressed Dharmaraja.”
Structure
tato bhīṣmaḥ abhivadat prahṛṣṭaḥ dharmarājam tadā
tato (then) bhīṣmaḥ (Bhishma) prahṛṣṭaḥ (with great joy) abhivadat (spoke to) tadā (at that time) dharmarājam (the king of dharma/Yama)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| bhīṣmaḥ | bhīṣmaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bhīṣma |
| abhivadat | abhivadat | verb | √vad · past · third | spoke to, addressed |
| prahṛṣṭaḥ | prahṛṣṭaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | delighted, pleased |
| dharmarājam | dharmarājam | compound | karmadhāraya · "dharmasya rājam" | the King of Dharma |
| tadā | tadā | indeclinable | — | then, at that time |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between Bhishma and Dharmaraja dissolve. According to Shankara's commentary on the Mahabharata, Bhishma's rejoicing in addressing Dharmaraja signifies the bliss inherent in the Self. The use of 'tato' (then) and 'tadā' (at that time) indicates a sequential unfolding of events, yet Shankara would argue that such temporal distinctions are illusory, pointing to the timelessness of Brahman. Furthermore, the act of Bhishma addressing Dharmaraja can be seen as a symbol of the individual self (jiva) acknowledging its true nature as the ultimate reality (Brahman), thus implying the Brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara clarifies that the ultimate goal is to realize this non-dual essence beyond all empirical distinctions, echoing the essence of this verse.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The devotional tone of this verse is striking, as Bhishma's rejoicing in addressing Dharmaraja reflects the loving relationship between the jiva (individual self) and Īśvara (the personal God). Ramanuja, in his Gita Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing one's true nature, which is inherently linked to the divine. In this context, Bhishma's action can be seen as an act of devotion, where the individual self approaches the divine with reverence and love. Madhva, in his commentary on the Mahabharata, highlights the role of grace in such interactions, suggesting that Dharmaraja's presence inspires Bhishma's devotion, illustrating the dynamic interplay between the jiva and Īśvara. This verse, therefore, encapsulates the Vaiṣṇava ideal of self-surrender and devotion as the path to liberation and divine communion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds profound universal and practical implications for contemporary life, as it underscores the importance of reverence, respect, and the pursuit of higher ideals. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Mahabharata, often emphasized the need for individuals to strive towards their higher selves, much like Bhishma's approach to Dharmaraja. The act of addressing a higher authority with respect and joy can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's aspiration towards self-realization and the cultivation of virtues. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the concept of the 'universal' and the importance of recognizing the divine in all beings, echoing the essence of this verse. In modern times, this verse can inspire us to approach our daily interactions with a sense of reverence and to strive towards our highest potential, reflecting the universal and practical application of ancient wisdom in contemporary life.