Shloka 24
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
भीष्म उवाच ततस्तृतीये दिवसे संदिदेश व्यवस्थित: । कुरु प्रियं स मे राजन् प्राप्तोडस्मीति महाव्रतः
bhīṣma uvāca tatastṛtīye divase saṃdideśa vyavasthitaḥ | kuru priyaṃ sa me rājan prāpto ’smi iti mahāvrataḥ ||
ビーシュマは言った。「そののち三日目、定めた場所にとどまった大誓願のパラシュラーマは、私に使者を送りこう告げた。『王よ、私はここに来た。私の望むことを成せ――我が願いを叶えよ。』」この瞬間はダルマの緊張を浮かび上がらせる。尊崇される長老にして苦行の権威がビーシュマを召し、義務と服従、そして恐るべき師の要求にどう応えるべきかという倫理を試すのである。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahabharata ethical pressure-point: when a powerful, revered figure issues a demand, one must still weigh the request against dharma and one’s own vowed obligations. Respect for authority is important, but it can become a test of integrity when it conflicts with duty.
On the third day, Parashurama—described as a great vow-keeper—halts at a place and sends Bhishma a message announcing his arrival and asking Bhishma to do what pleases him, setting the stage for a consequential confrontation or negotiation.