Shloka 16
Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
यत् तत् पुरुषसंज्ञं वै गीयते ज्ञायते न च,'ये ही पुरुष नामसे कहे जाते हैं, किंतु इनका वास्तविक रूप जाना नहीं जा सकता। ये ही विश्वस्रष्टा ब्रह्माजीके द्वारा परम सुख, परम तेज और परम सत्य कहे गये हैं
yat tat puruṣasaṃjñaṃ vai gīyate jñāyate na ca
Bhishma said: That reality which is indeed spoken of under the designation “Puruṣa” is praised in sacred discourse, yet it cannot be fully grasped by ordinary knowing. The Creator himself proclaims it as the highest bliss, the highest radiance, and the highest truth—pointing beyond names to the ineffable ground of all being.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes between naming and knowing: the ultimate principle is called “Puruṣa” and is praised in tradition, but it transcends complete capture by ordinary cognition. It urges humility before the Absolute and points to a reality known more by realization than by mere description.
Bhishma is instructing his listener on the nature of the highest reality. In the midst of Bhishma Parva’s larger war setting, the discourse turns to spiritual foundations—affirming that beyond battlefield outcomes stands an ultimate truth that is praised by sages yet remains beyond full conceptual grasp.