tato bhīṣmo 'bhivadat sutaṁ rājaṁ ca pāṇḍavam
“Then Bhishma addressed the prince and the Pandava.”
Structure
tato bhīṣmo abhivadat sutaṁ rājam ca pāṇḍavam
tato (then) bhīṣmoḥ (Bhishma) abhivadat (addressed) sutaṁ (the son, referring to Drona's son Aśvatthāmā, but here likely meaning Drona or referring to a context not directly provided) rājam (the king) ca (and) pāṇḍavam (Pāṇḍava)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| bhīṣmo | bhīṣmo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bhīṣma |
| abhivadat | abhivadat | verb | √vad · past · third | spoke to, addressed |
| sutaṁ | sutaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | son |
| rājam | rājam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pāṇḍavam | pāṇḍavam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Pāṇḍava |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the non-dual reading of this verse, where Bhīṣma's address to the prince and the Pāṇḍava symbolizes the ultimate reality, Brahman, illuminating the individual selves. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (BS 1.1.1), posits that the individual selves are not separate from the ultimate reality. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where Bhīṣma, representing the higher self, guides the prince and the Pāṇḍava, symbolizing the individual selves, towards the realization of their true nature. Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual interpretation highlights the unity of all existence, underscoring the idea that the distinctions between the prince, the Pāṇḍava, and Bhīṣma are mere appearances, and that the ultimate reality is the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, views this verse as an illustration of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Bhīṣma's address to the prince and the Pāṇḍava represents the Lord's guidance and benevolence towards the individual selves, who are dependent on Him for their existence and liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, interprets this verse as demonstrating the distinction between the Lord and the individual selves, emphasizing the importance of devotion and surrender to the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya's Śrī Bhāṣya (SB 1.1.1), the individual selves, like the prince and the Pāṇḍava, are inherently connected to the Lord, and Bhīṣma's address symbolizes the Lord's initiative to guide them towards their ultimate goal of union with Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, interprets this verse as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of selfless service and guidance. Bhīṣma's address to the prince and the Pāṇḍava represents the universal principle of mentorship and the passing on of wisdom, where the experienced and the wise guide the less experienced towards their goals. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy', highlights the practical application of this verse, where the relationship between Bhīṣma, the prince, and the Pāṇḍava symbolizes the harmony and cooperation essential for individual and societal growth. As Vivekānanda stated in his lecture 'The Message of the Upaniṣads' (CW 8: 187), this verse underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting the inherent worth and potential of every individual, and the need for guidance and support in achieving one's goals, reflecting the universal and practical application of this verse in contemporary life.