Death of Bhishma

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

Suta Goswami's version

Sauti’s complete name is Ugashrava, the son of Lomaharshana. He is also called Suta Goswami in the Bhagavat Purana. As the disciple of Vyasa he narrates both works. In the Bhagavatam, Suta Goswami summarizes the conversation between Bhishma and Yudhisthira. 

After telling the story of the Swan and the sadhyas, Bhishma went on to explain many things. He taught Yudhisthira about ethics, morality, politics and dharma. He explained what is forbidden by the Vedas as well as what is sanctioned. He described the path of righteousness and the path of liberation. He gave copious examples and told many stories as illustrations, remembering the teachings that were imparted to him as a young man in the ashram of Vasistha Muni and including what he had heard from many saints and rishis in his long life as regent to the kings of India.

He explained the teachings of Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita and recited the thousand names of Vishnu.  And when that foremost person among the Karuavas was lying on the bed of arrows whose sharpened points are always coveted by heroes, Yudhisthira of great wisdom heard him expound the mysteries of wisdom and resolve his doubts about dharma, righteousnes, loss and gain, self-restraint and right living, as well as the ultimate liberation of the soul. 

But now the sun was moving to the north, at last. Bhishmadeva had spoken on many subjects, had answered many questions, and had discoursed on the meaning of life. But now life was slipping through his hands at last. His time was limited. He fell silent. 

And all around him also fell perfectly silent, motionless as painted figures. Vyasadeva himself, the son of Satyavati, having reflected duly approached the royal son of the Ganges and spoke thus, 

"O King, the chief of the Kurus must return to Hastinapura. Give him leave to go."

And Bhishma said, "So be it. Return to your city and rule. Let your heart's fever be soothed. Perform the sacrifices that need be done for the dead. Gratify the deities. May peace be upon your spirit. You are now  king. A great king is like a strong tree.  Let your well-wishers live even as birds, depending for their means upon a strong tree. I do not have long. The sun begins its course to the north. The days grow shorter. When my time comes, return here, before I depart this world. I have more to say to you my son. But go now. Go to your city."

And Yudhisthira said,

"So be it."

The king set out with his relatives and followers for the city of the elephants. They went with Dhritarastra, the old blind king, who held his head low, lamenting all that had happened. Gandhari walked beside her husband, her eyes blindfolded in solidarity with the erstwhile liege of the fallen Kurus. And accompanied by the Rishis and by Krishna Himself, who is known as Keshava, they left the killing fields for the city of the elephant.