tato - bhīṣmaḥ - abhigamya - rājānāṃ - sagaṇaḥ - pitṛbhiḥ

tato (then) bhīṣmaḥ (Bhishma) abhigamya (having approached) rājānāṃ (of kings) sagaṇaḥ (with his attendants) pitṛbhiḥ (with his ancestors)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājānāṃ sagaṇaḥ pitṛbhiḥ', offers an interesting lens through which to view the non-dual nature of reality. Bhishma's approach to the kings, accompanied by his ancestors, can be seen as a symbol of the ātman (individual self) approaching the world of phenomena (rājānāṃ), with the sage's understanding and heritage (pitṛbhiḥ) guiding him. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra and the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal reality (Brahman). In this context, Bhishma's actions can be viewed as an embodiment of the jīvanmukta, the liberated individual who moves through the world unencumbered by the limitations of the ego, yet fully engaged with the world, illustrating the concept of 'vivarta' or the apparent transformation of the one reality into many. This verse, thus, points towards the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, in its true nature, is not separate from the universal consciousness.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, where Bhishma approaches the kings accompanied by his ancestors, is particularly interesting from a Vaiṣṇava perspective. It highlights the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the personal God). Bhishma, as a representative of the jīva, moves towards the kings, symbolizing the world or the realm of prakṛti (nature), with the guidance of his ancestors, which can be seen as a symbol of the grace of Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to Īśvara as the means to achieve liberation. This verse can be seen as an illustration of Bhishma's prapatti, where his actions are guided not just by his own prowess but by the wisdom and grace of his lineage, representing the divine guidance. This underscores the Vaiṣṇava understanding of the interdependence of the jīva and Īśvara, where the individual's approach to the world is fruitful and meaningful only when guided by a recognition of and surrender to the divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, 'tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājānāṃ sagaṇaḥ pitṛbhiḥ', offers a powerful metaphor for contemporary life. Bhishma's approach to the kings, accompanied by his ancestors, symbolizes the individual's journey through life, guided by their heritage and the collective wisdom of their predecessors. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring one's cultural and spiritual heritage as a foundation for personal growth and service to humanity. Similarly, Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the universal principles that underlie human experience, advocating for a synthesis of individual freedom and social responsibility. This verse, thus, has a practical application in modern life, encouraging individuals to approach their challenges and responsibilities with a deep sense of their roots and a commitment to the greater good, embodying the ideals of self-awareness, respect for tradition, and service to others.

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