tato bhīṣmo mahābāhuḥ śṛṇvān brāhmaṇavacanam
“Then Bhishma, the great-armed, listened to the Brahmin's words.”
Structure
tato - bhīṣmo - mahābāhuḥ - śṛṇvān - brāhmaṇa - vacanam
tato (then) bhīṣmo (Bhishma) mahābāhuḥ (the great-armed one) śṛṇvān (listening) brāhmaṇa (to the Brahmin's) vacanam (words)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| bhīṣmo | bhīṣmo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bhīṣma |
| mahābāhuḥ | mahābāhuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one with great arms |
| śṛṇvān | śṛṇvān | verb | √śru · present · third | hearing |
| brāhmaṇa | brāhmaṇa | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Brahmin |
| vacanam | vacanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, ततो भीष्मो महाबाहुः शृण्वन् ब्राह्मणवचनम, highlights the importance of listening to the words of the Brahmin, which symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, can only be known through the scriptures and the guidance of a qualified teacher. Bhishma's act of listening to the Brahmin's words represents the seeker's (sadhaka) willingness to learn and understand the true nature of reality. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1) emphasizes the need for inquiry into the nature of the Self (Atman) and the Supreme Reality (Brahman). In this context, Bhishma's actions illustrate the initial step in this inquiry, where one must approach a teacher and listen to their words, ultimately leading to the realization of the identity of Brahman and Atman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). In this verse, Bhishma's act of listening to the Brahmin's words demonstrates the jīva's dependence on Īśvara for guidance and knowledge. Ramanuja's commentary on the Gita (18.66) highlights the importance of surrender to God, which is echoed in Bhishma's willingness to listen and learn from the Brahmin. Madhva, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as an example of the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, where Bhishma, as a devotee, acknowledges his limitations and seeks guidance from a qualified teacher, who represents the divine. This verse underscores the Vaishnava emphasis on devotion, humility, and the recognition of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers valuable insights into the importance of seeking knowledge and guidance in contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (Complete Works, Vol. 3), emphasizes the need for individuals to cultivate their inner strength and seek wisdom from those who have realized the truth. Bhishma's actions in this verse exemplify this principle, where he, as a great warrior, recognizes the value of listening and learning from others. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy' (Vol. 1), highlights the significance of the guru-disciple relationship in Indian thought, where the guru represents the embodiment of wisdom and guidance. In modern times, this verse encourages individuals to approach life's challenges with humility, to seek guidance from those who have expertise, and to recognize the value of knowledge in navigating the complexities of the world.