tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājānāṃ sagaṇaḥ samūham.
“Then Bhishma approaching the assembly of kings with their retinues.”
Structure
tato bhīṣmoḥ abhigamya rājānāṃ sa-gaṇaḥ sa-mūham
tato (then) bhīṣmaḥ (Bhishma) abhigamya (having approached) sa-gaṇaḥ (with his retinue) rājānāṃ (of the kings) sa-mūham (the assembly)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| bhīṣmoḥ | bhīṣmaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bhīṣma |
| abhigamya | abhigamya | verb | √gam · optative · third | having approached |
| rājānāṃ | rājānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of kings |
| sa | sa | particle | — | with, along with |
| gaṇaḥ | gaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | attendants, retinue |
| sa | sa | particle | — | together with |
| mūham | mūhaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | assembly, group |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājānāṃ sagaṇaḥ samūham, presents an opportunity to reflect on the non-dual nature of reality. Bhishma, as a sage and warrior, embodies the qualities of wisdom and strength, which are ultimately aspects of Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of recognizing the unity of all beings, stating that the jiva is not separate from Brahman (BG 2.17). In this context, Bhishma's approach to the assembly of kings can be seen as a symbol of the individual self (jiva) approaching the universal Self (Brahman), underscoring the ultimate identity of the two. As Shankara notes, the distinction between the individual and the universal is a product of Maya, and true knowledge (vidya) reveals their essential oneness. This verse, therefore, invites the reader to contemplate the non-dual nature of reality, where Bhishma, the kings, and their retinues are all manifestations of the unified Brahman-ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, Bhishma's approach to the assembly of kings is a potent symbol of the devotee's approach to the divine. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, in achieving a loving relationship with God (BG 18.66). Bhishma, as a devotee of Lord Krishna, embodies the qualities of humility and devotion, which are essential for approaching the divine. The assembly of kings, with their retinues, represents the world of creatures, all of whom are dependent on the divine for their existence. Bhishma's approach to this assembly, therefore, symbolizes the devotee's recognition of their dependence on God and their desire to surrender to God's will. As Ramanuja notes, the devotee's love for God is not a one-way relationship, but is reciprocated by God's love for the devotee, illustrating the intimate and personal relationship between the jiva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājānāṃ sagaṇaḥ samūham, holds a profound message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of selfless action and the cultivation of wisdom (jnana) in achieving true freedom (moksha). Bhishma's approach to the assembly of kings can be seen as a symbol of the individual's approach to the challenges of life, where one must navigate complex relationships and responsibilities. The verse invites the reader to reflect on the importance of wisdom, courage, and selflessness in responding to these challenges. As Radhakrishnan notes, the Bhagavad Gita's message is not limited to ancient India, but has a universal relevance, addressing fundamental human questions about the nature of reality, morality, and the human condition. This verse, therefore, offers a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life of integrity, compassion, and wisdom, where the individual self is aligned with the universal Self, and where actions are guided by a sense of duty, love, and service to others.