Topics covered:
SB 1.9: The Passing Away of Bhīṣmadeva in the Presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa
- Bhishma prepeares to leave his body
- All the great souls assemble at Bhishmas deathbed
- The best protectionj: God, brahmanas and religion
- Fools think that Krishna is ordinary person
- Real yoga:Seeing the Supreme Personalty of Godhead
- Bhishma describes the perfect civilization
- The Lords transcendental body
- Description of the Lords beatuful form
- The supreme Lord became Arjunas chariot driver
- Bhishma leaves the body watching Krishna
SB 1.9: The Passing Away of Bhīṣmadeva in the Presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa
Bhīṣma Prepares to Leave His Body
Bhīṣmadeva, the grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, lay on a bed of arrows, preparing for his departure from this world. Having chosen to leave his body at an auspicious moment, Bhīṣma awaited the arrival of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Kṛṣṇa. His life was a testament to dharma, and even in his final moments, he remained devoted to the principles of righteousness and the service of Kṛṣṇa.
All the Great Souls Assemble at Bhīṣma’s Deathbed
As Bhīṣma prepared to leave his body, many great souls and sages from across the land assembled at his deathbed. These included Vyāsa, Nārada, and other exalted personalities, who came to pay their respects to the great warrior and hear his final words of wisdom. The atmosphere was charged with reverence and spiritual energy, reflecting the profound significance of the moment.
The Best Protection: God, Brahmanas, and Religion
In his final discourse, Bhīṣma emphasized the importance of divine protection, the guidance of brāhmaṇas, and adherence to religious principles. He spoke of how these three elements are essential for the well-being and prosperity of society. Bhīṣma highlighted that true protection comes from surrendering to the Supreme Lord, respecting the wisdom of the brāhmaṇas, and living a life of dharma.
Fools Think that Kṛṣṇa is an Ordinary Person
Bhīṣma reminded those present that only fools consider Kṛṣṇa to be an ordinary human being. Despite His appearance as a charioteer and His participation in worldly affairs, Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, transcending all material limitations. Bhīṣma’s deep devotion and clear vision allowed him to recognize and honor Kṛṣṇa’s divine nature.
Real Yoga: Seeing the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Bhīṣma explained that the perfection of yoga is to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa. This vision is the ultimate goal of all yogic practices and spiritual endeavors. Bhīṣma’s own life was a testament to this truth, as he maintained his focus on Kṛṣṇa even in his final moments, demonstrating the pinnacle of spiritual realization.
Bhīṣma Describes the Perfect Civilization
In his final teachings, Bhīṣma described the characteristics of a perfect civilization. He emphasized that such a society is one where the rulers are righteous, the brāhmaṇas are wise and respected, the people are devoted to their duties, and the Lord is worshiped with sincerity. Bhīṣma’s vision of an ideal society was deeply rooted in Vedic principles and the service of Kṛṣṇa.
The Lord’s Transcendental Body
Bhīṣma extolled the transcendental nature of Kṛṣṇa’s body, which is eternal, full of knowledge, and bliss. Unlike ordinary human bodies, Kṛṣṇa’s form is not subject to birth, death, or decay. Bhīṣma’s understanding of Kṛṣṇa’s divine form reflected his profound spiritual insight and unwavering devotion.
Description of the Lord’s Beautiful Form
Bhīṣma described the unparalleled beauty of Kṛṣṇa’s form, with His lotus-like eyes, enchanting smile, and graceful demeanor. This divine vision filled Bhīṣma’s heart with joy and devotion. The beauty of Kṛṣṇa’s form is a source of solace and inspiration for devotees, drawing them closer to the Supreme Lord.
The Supreme Lord Became Arjuna’s Chariot Driver
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes is His role as Arjuna’s chariot driver during the Kurukṣetra war. Despite being the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa humbly accepted this position out of love for His devotee. Bhīṣma praised this act as a supreme demonstration of Kṛṣṇa’s devotion to His devotees and His willingness to serve them in any capacity.
Bhīṣma Leaves the Body Watching Kṛṣṇa
As Bhīṣma’s final moments approached, his gaze remained fixed on Kṛṣṇa. He departed from this world with the divine vision of the Lord, fully absorbed in thoughts of Kṛṣṇa. Bhīṣma’s departure was a glorious event, marked by his unwavering devotion and the presence of the Supreme Lord. This moment exemplified the ultimate goal of life: to leave the body while fully immersed in the consciousness of Kṛṣṇa.
Reflection
Bhīṣmadeva’s passing is a profound lesson in devotion, dharma, and the eternal nature of the soul. His life and departure teach us the importance of living in accordance with divine principles and keeping our focus on the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa, at all times.
