Bhishma Pitamah: A Life of Duty

My sweetest Sunday routine memories as a child include those mandatory morning head baths with soapnut (yes, complete with a few fights and stinging eyes!), followed by watching Mahabharata on Doordarshan. My grandmom loved the show, but she didn't know Hindi. That's where I came in – her self-proclaimed little translator, armed with a limited Hindi vocabulary and boundless enthusiasm. I'll never forget Bhishma Pitamah, his long white beard flowing, voice booming with a seriousness that seemed etched on his face. My translations might not have been perfect, but they were enough to bridge the gap, creating a special connection between my grandmom, the ancient stories, and me.

In the Indian epic Mahabharata, Bhishma/Devavrata, known as "Bhishma Pitamah" (Grandfather Bhishma), is a legendary figure. His life is a testament to unwavering duty, the struggle between personal desires and obligation, and the timeless pursuit of righteousness that often demands agonizing choices. Though Bhishma Pitamah is a complex and multifaceted character, there are many lessons we can learn from him.

 

Unwavering Commitment:

Bhishma's vow of lifelong celibacy, a pivotal event in the Mahabharata, holds a deep significance and offers valuable lessons that resonate beyond the epic itself. Bhishma's vow stemmed from his unwavering love and devotion to his father, King Shantanu. The King fell in love with Satyavati, the daughter of a fisherman, but her father agreed to the marriage only on the condition that her son would become the heir, putting Bhishma's position as crown prince at stake.

To ensure his father's happiness, Bhishma took an oath of lifelong celibacy and swore to always protect the Kuru Kingdom, obeying the King and serving the throne. He earned the name "Bhishma," which translates to "terrible," "fearsome," or "awe-inspiring," reflecting the extraordinary nature of his vow.

Bhishma never blamed his father or changed his vows, even when Satyavati requested him to marry after the deaths of her sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya.

Furthermore, Bhisma had utmost respect for his Guru Parashuram, but he still disobeyed his order of marrying Amba and became ready to fight with him. He rather chose death over breaking the promise.

Instead of judging the success of his sacrifice or its consequences, we can learn from Bhishma's unwavering commitment. In today's world, where keeping our word isn't always easy, Bhishma stands as a powerful example of sticking to one's commitments. This resonates not only in grand gestures but also in our everyday lives:

 Work Commitments: Arriving on time for meetings and completing tasks by deadlines shows respect and fosters trust with colleagues.

Personal Habits: Maintaining regular sleep schedules, limiting screen time, or even cutting back on Instagram scrolling demonstrates self-care and a commitment to our well-being.

Fitness Goals: Getting up and moving for just five minutes, even when the couch is more tempting, is a step towards a healthier lifestyle.

Relationships: Working through challenges with loved ones, instead of giving up at the first sign of difficulty, strengthens connection and builds resilience.

Leaders, in particular, can learn from Bhishma by demonstrating consistency in their actions and following through on their commitments, fostering trust and reliability among their followers. 

Adaptability and Strategic Thinking:

Beyond his legendary archery skills, Bhishma, the protector of the Kuru kingdom for generations, was also a brilliant strategist. His meticulous planning, coupled with his unwavering focus and adherence to Dharma (righteousness), played a significant role in the Kuru kingdom's flourishing for generations.

Though torn between his oath and his moral code, Bhishma ultimately chose to fight alongside Duryodhana and his brothers in the Kurukshetra war. However, his internal conflict is evident in his efforts to minimize unnecessary losses and his refusal to fight certain warriors due to ethical concerns.

Bhishma never underestimated his opponents. He acknowledged the strengths of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas, as demonstrated when he warned Duryodhana of the Pandavas' capabilities. This acute awareness of the battlefield further solidified his reputation as a skilled strategist.

Furthermore, Bhishma displayed remarkable adaptability in the dynamic war environment. He strategically shifted his formations and tactics to counter the evolving situation, showcasing his flexibility and strategic thinking even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Bhishma's legacy extends beyond the battlefield, offering valuable lessons in planning, adapting, and respecting others, even in complex situations. His example reminds us of the importance of critical thinking, ethical considerations, and strategic foresight when navigating challenging scenarios.

By incorporating these lessons into our daily lives, we can strive to approach challenges with strategic thinking, adaptability, and respect, just like the legendary Bhishma.

Knowledge is power:
 

Beyond his legendary strength and warrior spirit, Bhishma, the grand old warrior of the Mahabharata, is revered for his profound wisdom.

Feeling overwhelmed after the Kurukshetra war, Yudhisthira hesitated to become king. Seeing his struggle, Lord Krishna advised him to seek wisdom from Bhishma, who lay on a bed of arrows. Krishna used his divine power to ease Bhishma's pain, allowing him to impart his knowledge for several days.

Bhishma teaches Yudhistir and his brothers various subjects like :   

* Duty and Righteousness

* Importance of controlling anger

* Self-Control and Discipline

* Leadership:

* Governance: Family and Relationships  

* The role of faith: Vishnu Sahasranama

Next time when we listen to the beautiful chants of the Vishnu Sahasranama, let the wisdom of Bhishma resonate with each name, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the divine.

Scattered throughout the epic, his teachings offer valuable insights that remain relevant even today. By exploring his wisdom, we gain valuable perspectives on life's complexities and learn to live with purpose and righteousness.

 

The Power of Self-Reflection:

Bhishma, on his deathbed, reflects on his life, uncovering both strengths and regrets. This inward journey highlights the crucial role of introspection and self-reflection in personal development.

On his deathbed of arrows, as Arjuna grieves the pain Bhishma endures, Bhishma assures him that he deserves this suffering. He acknowledges his mistakes, including remaining silent during Draupadi's disrobing in the Kuru Sabha and prioritizing loyalty to the king over upholding righteous conduct (Dharma). By acknowledging these shortcomings and taking responsibility for his actions, Bhishma demonstrates growth through self-awareness.

This personal accountability is key to learning from past experiences and making better choices in the future. Bhishma's experience serves as a powerful reminder that introspection and self-reflection are essential tools for personal growth, improved decision-making, and deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

 

Bhishma Pitamah's life, like any other historical figure, is multifaceted and ripe with complexities. There are no heroes or villains, just people with different perspectives. 

Instead of dwelling on controversial details like 

Why did Bhishma abduct Amba, Ambica, and Ambalica? 

Why did Bhishma imprison Gandhari's maternal family and kill them to death (except Shakuni)? 

Why did he not fight for Draupadi though that is the right thing to do?

Why did he fight on behalf of Duryodhana?

we can draw valuable lessons from his experiences.

Remember, even the greatest individuals are not without flaws. What matters most is learning from both their triumphs and shortcomings. One thing we need to keep in mind is: no matter how big and great we are, our wrong actions will have serious repercussions in the future. Be realistic, not idealistic, most of the times. 

By embracing these lessons and applying them in our own lives, we can strive for personal growth and contribute meaningfully to the world around us.

So, which of Bhishma's qualities will you choose to guide your own path?

 

References:

https://www.learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Bhishma&dir=au                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

https://www.freegurukul.org/e-Books/09-Bhagavatham/BH099-SampoornaPotanaBhagavatam-1To5.pdf  : Page 95 onwards  Poem: 222  

Many more youtube videos.