Tato bhīṣmo 'bhigamya rājā nandanaṁ vacanamabravīt .
“Then Bhishma approaching King Yudhishthira spoke these words.”
Structure
Tato Bhīṣmo abhigamya Rājā Nandanaṁ vacanam abravīt
Tato (then) Bhīṣmoḥ (Bhishma) abhigamya (having approached) Rājā (the king) Nandanam (to his son) vacanam (words) abravīt (spoke)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tato | Tato | indeclinable | — | Then, thereafter |
| Bhīṣmo | Bhīṣmo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Bhīṣma |
| abhigamya | abhigamya | indeclinable | — | having approached, going to |
| Rājā | Rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | King |
| Nandanaṁ | Nandanaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | son of Nanda or Nandin |
| vacanam | vacanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
| abravīt | abravīt | verb | √brū · past · third | spoke, said |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Then Bhishma approaching King Yudhishthira spoke these words,' highlights the illusory nature of the world. According to Shankara, the interactions between Bhishma and Yudhishthira are a manifestation of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The distinction between Bhishma and Yudhishthira is a product of Maya, and their conversation is a means to reveal the true nature of the Self. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 36) notes that 'the Self is the seer, the hearer, the thinker, and the knower.' In the context of this verse, Bhishma's approach to Yudhishthira symbolizes the seeker's (jiva) quest for knowledge, ultimately leading to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara writes in his Upadesasahasri, the ultimate goal is to understand that 'I am Brahman,' and this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-inquiry in achieving this understanding.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to a higher power. Bhishma's approach to Yudhishthira can be seen as a symbol of the devotee's (jiva) surrender to the Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 66), notes that 'the Lord is the inner self of all beings.' In the context of this verse, Bhishma's conversation with Yudhishthira represents the intimacy and closeness that can be achieved between the devotee and the Lord. Furthermore, Madhva's concept of 'bheda' (difference) between the jiva and Īśvara is also relevant, as it highlights the importance of recognizing the distinction between the individual self and the ultimate reality, while still acknowledging their interconnectedness. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating devotion and surrender in one's spiritual journey.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds significant practical applications in contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind,' notes that 'the greatest power is the power of the mind.' Bhishma's approach to Yudhishthira can be seen as a symbol of the power of intention and the importance of deliberate communication. As Vivekananda writes in his Complete Works, 'the moment you start a thought, it begins to take shape.' This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of our thoughts and actions, as they have the power to shape our reality. Furthermore, Radhakrishnan's concept of 'the harmony of universals' is also relevant, as it highlights the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the universe. This verse can be seen as a call to action, encouraging individuals to cultivate greater awareness and understanding in their interactions with others, leading to a more harmonious and compassionate world.