Shloka 33
Bhīṣma’s Dream-Counsel and the Prasvāpa Astra (भीष्मस्वप्नदर्शनम् / प्रस्वापास्त्रोपदेशः)
ते मां सप्रणयं वाक्यमत्रुवन् समरे स्थितम् । प्रैहि रामं महाबाहो गुरुं लोकहितं कुरु
te māṃ sapraṇayaṃ vākyam atruvan samare sthitam | praihi rāmaṃ mahābāho guruṃ lokahitaṃ kuru ||
Bhīṣma said: While I stood firm on the battlefield, they addressed me with affectionate, respectful words: “O mighty-armed one, go to Rāma (Paraśurāma), your teacher, and act for the welfare of the world.” The counsel framed a warrior’s crisis not merely as a contest of strength, but as a dharmic decision—seeking guidance from one’s guru so that the outcome serves a larger good beyond personal victory.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid conflict, one should act with a view to lokahita (the welfare of all) and, when dharma is complex, seek guidance from a legitimate guru rather than relying only on personal power or pride.
Bhīṣma recounts that, while he was positioned in battle, others addressed him affectionately and urged him to go to his teacher Paraśurāma (Rāma) and take steps aimed at the good of the world.