Play Mahabharata Like Bheeshma!
Life
Coaching Series
In the great epic of Mahabharata, there is no
character as tall, towering, overshadowing and magnanimous as the great warrior
and statesman of Hastinapur – Bheeshma. His whole life is like that of a chess
game from birth to death and his role akin to the Queen / Minister on the
chessboard i.e. the most powerful piece that make or break any game. If you
have read this great epic, you will notice that Bheeshma witnessed the rise and
fall of seven generations throughout his life right from Nala (Bheeshma’s
grandfather) through Abhimanyu (Bheeshma’s great-great grandson). He diligently
and steadfastly observed 3 vows his entire life:
- Vow
of Lifelong Celibacy (Brahmacharya) – at speech level i.e. declared openly
- Vow
to Protect Hastinapur (Rashtradharma) – at action level i.e. scrutinized by all
- Vow
to remain Righteous in Action (Paramadharma) – at thought level i.e. clear
conscience
Gain Command Through Sacrifice
Bheeshma’s life trajectory is decided the
moment he takes the vow of lifelong celibacy for the sake of his father
Shantanu’s happiness and give up his birthright, in order to satisfy Satyavati’s
(Shantanu’s second wife) desire that her children must access to the throne. As
a result of which he receives the boon of “Ichha Mrityu” (control over time of
death) from his father. He then assumes command of Hastinapura after his father’s
death, as Chitrangad was a child then. Later on, after Chitrangad’s demise, he manages
the political affairs once again since he was issueless.
By the mere act of taking this terrible oath,
he immediately gains wide recognition and is revered by all. Irrespective of
which side he fought with in the final war, he is respected throughout and is
the most trustworthy individual amongst all other characters. Commanding this
kind of respect and trust so early in life, is something that any leader can
strive for but is often elusive. This is possible only through the sacrifice of
personal interest over the welfare of others.
Seize Control Through Resolve
Bheeshma’s life takes another turn, when he
wins a battle at Kashi kingdom and brings Amba, Ambika and Ambalika as brides
for Vichitravirya (Satyavati’s second son). Amba is offended as she gets
rejected by both Vichitravirya and her lover King Shalva. Amba ensures a fight
between Bheeshma and his Guru Parashurama which ends in a stale mate. Later on,
she receives the boon from Shiva to be reborn as Shikhandi (a transgender) in
order to exact her revenge from Bheeshma. Throughout these events, Bheeshma remains the de
facto guardian of Hastinapura. Further, he refuses to take over the throne
after the premature demise of Vichitravirya who had no heir. He arranges for impregnation
of Ambika, Ambalika and a maid through Sage Vyasa; so that the royal lineage is
maintained. He is forever the caretaker of Hastinapura before, during and even
after every transition. It remains so before the ascension of Pandu and then
Dhritarashtra.
It can be observed that in addition to his
first vow, he also maintains his second vow and inadvertently or unwillingly
seizes control of all royal and political affairs throughout his lifetime. He
literally nurtures Hastinapura even without ascending to the throne and remains
a faithful caretaker all his life. It is the effect of his vows, that power falls
in his lap just like a ripe mango drops to the ground.
Take Charge Through Wisdom
Even during the 18-day war at Kurukshetra, he
was the supreme commander in-charge of the Kuru army for 10 days. He was
formidable and literally undefeatable. It must be noted that Lord Krishna had
vowed that he will not wield a weapon and fight in the war. Bheeshma compelled
Krishna to almost break his vow by injuring both Arjuna and Krishna severely on
the battlefield; where Krishna alights from the chariot and lifts a wheel to
hurl it at Bheeshma. Further, when it becomes clear that it is impossible for
the Pandavas to win with Bheeshma leading the Kuru army; Bheeshma himself provides
a hint by saying that, “I will lay down my life if someone of the opposite
gender is fielded against me”. Taking this cue, Krishna suggests that Shikhandi
be fielded against Bheeshma with Arjuna as the charioteer. Thus, true to his
word Bheeshma avoids fighting Shikhandi and indirectly provides opportunity to
Arjuna to shoot him with arrows.
This sounds simple to read but is very profound
in its meaning. Here, he exemplifies righteousness by fulfilling all these
three vows simultaneously. If one is committed to one’s cause then one must be
willing to play a spoilsport, even it means bringing death upon oneself.
Conclusion
If one can observe carefully the trajectory of Bheeshma’s
life, in spite of his three vows, in spite of the burden of respect and trust
thrusted upon him and in spite of the huge responsibilities shouldered upon him;
he emerges as the epitome of Karma or duty. Bheeshma himself describes Dharma
as being “subtle” when a humiliated Draupadi questions the right of Yudhishthira
to gamble and lose her in the court of Dhritarashtra. It Bheeshma who ensures
that Satyavati is married to Shantanu. It Bheeshma who protects Satyavati from
Ugrayudha Paurava who lusts her after the death of Shantanu. It is Bheeshma who
frees Amba to do her penance for revenge. It is Bheeshma who ensures the birth
of Vidura (the treasurer of Hastinapura and the only warrior who doesn’t enter the
war). It is Bheeshma who knowingly or unknowingly ensures that Shakuni remains
at Hastinapura to exact revenge. It is Bheeshma who calls upon Dronacharya to
train the royal princes (both Kauravas and Pandavas) in warfare. The fact
remains that Bheeshma drives the kingdom of Hastinapura right from his entry
till exit. An observant mind will notice that Bheeshma is in total control
throughout and plays out his role like a chess game, where every move is
carefully crafted keeping the future in view with a righteous intent.
