Shloka 28
Bhīṣmadeva’s Passing Away in the Presence of Lord Kṛṣṇa
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षांश्च सहोपायान् यथा मुने । नानाख्यानेतिहासेषु वर्णयामास तत्त्ववित् ॥ २८ ॥
dharmārtha-kāma-mokṣāṁś ca sahopāyān yathā mune nānākhyānetihāseṣu varṇayām āsa tattvavit
Kemudian, wahai muni, beliau menghuraikan dharma, artha, kāma dan mokṣa beserta jalan-jalannya dengan sewajarnya; kerana beliau mengetahui kebenaran, beliau menerangkannya dengan contoh daripada pelbagai kisah dan sejarah suci.
Incidents mentioned in the Vedic literatures such as the Purāṇas, Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa are factual historical narrations that took place sometime in the past, although not in any chronological order. Such historical facts, being instructive for ordinary men, were assorted without chronological reference. Besides that, they happen on different planets, nay, in different universes, and thus the description of the narrations is sometimes measured by three dimensions. We are simply concerned with the instructive lessons of such incidents, even though they are not in order by our limited range of understanding. Bhīṣmadeva described such narrations before Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira in reply to his different questions.
FAQs
This verse states that the realized knower of truth explains the four human goals—dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa—together with the practical means to attain them, using many instructive narratives and histories.
Because, as indicated here, profound truths and life-goals are made easier to understand and apply when taught through varied narrations (ākhyāna) and historical accounts (itihāsa).
Study spiritual teachings with their “means” (upāya)—daily practices, ethical living, and devotion—and learn through authentic narratives that shape values, not just abstract concepts.