tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājā niṣādapatiṃ vadhīṣyan.
“Then Bhishma, having approached, the king will kill the lord of the Nishadas.”
Structure
tato - bhīṣmo - abhigamya - rājā - niṣāda - patiṃ - vadhīṣyan
tato (then) bhīṣmo (Bhishma) abhigamya (having approached) rājā (the king) niṣāda - patiṃ (the lord of Nishadas) vadhīṣyan (will kill)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| bhīṣmo | bhīṣmo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bhīṣma |
| abhigamya | abhigamya | verb | √gam · laṣṭa · third | having approached |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| niṣāda | niṣāda | noun | stem · singular · masculine | Niṣāda |
| patiṃ | patiṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | lord, master |
| vadhīṣyan | vadhīṣyan | verb | √han · liṅ · third | will kill |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Bhishma's approaching and the king's intention to kill the lord of the Nishadas can be seen as a metaphor for the individual self (jiva) approaching the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the removal of ignorance (avidya) that veils this reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, frequently emphasizes the need for self-inquiry to realize the identity of Brahman and Atman. Here, the king's action signifies the destruction of the ego, which is essential for realizing this non-dual identity. The concept of 'vadhishyan' or killing can be interpreted as the termination of the ego's dominance, allowing the Self to shine through. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's non-dualistic philosophy, highlighting the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedanta: the realization of Brahman-Atman identity beyond the fleeting world of names and forms.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaishnava perspective, this verse underscores the relationship between the jiva (individual soul) and Ishvara (the Supreme Lord). Bhishma, representing the jiva, approaches the king, symbolizing Ishvara. The intention to kill the lord of the Nishadas may be seen as the jiva's struggle against the forces of darkness and ignorance that separate it from Ishvara. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of prapatti (surrender) to Ishvara as a means to overcome these forces. The verse can be interpreted as illustrating the jiva's journey towards surrender, with Bhishma's approach signifying the initial steps of seeking refuge in Ishvara, culminating in the removal of obstacles (the lord of the Nishadas) that hinder this union. This reading emphasizes the devotional aspect, highlighting the jiva's dependence on Ishvara's grace for liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedanta, underscores the universal theme of overcoming inner conflict to achieve a higher state of consciousness. Bhishma's approach and the king's resolve can be seen as the human soul's journey towards self-discovery and the conquest of its lower nature (the lord of the Nishadas). Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often spoke about the importance of self-control and the realization of one's true nature. The action of 'killing' in this context symbolizes the transcendence of egoistic tendencies and baser instincts, allowing the individual to realize their true potential. This interpretation is in line with Vivekananda's emphasis on practical Vedanta, applying ancient wisdom to modern life to foster personal and societal transformation. It invites the reader to reflect on their own journey, encouraging self-inquiry and the pursuit of a harmonious balance between the individual and the universe.