Shloka 17
Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
एतत् परमकं तेज एतत् परमकं सुखम् | एतत् परमकं सत्य कीर्तितं विश्वकर्मणा
etad paramakaṃ teja etad paramakaṃ sukham | etad paramakaṃ satyaṃ kīrtitaṃ viśvakarmaṇā |
Bhīṣma disse: “Isto é, de fato, o esplendor supremo; isto é a bem-aventurança suprema. Isto é a verdade suprema—assim o proclamou Viśvakarman, o artífice do cosmos.” Com essas palavras, Bhīṣma aponta para além de nomes e descrições, rumo à realidade última que sustenta a reta compreensão e a reta conduta.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse identifies an ultimate principle—described as supreme radiance, supreme bliss, and supreme truth—affirming that the highest good is not merely a named concept but a reality recognized by authoritative tradition (here attributed to Viśvakarman).
Bhīṣma is speaking and elevates the discussion from external labels to the highest reality, presenting it as the foundation of true understanding and the ethical orientation that should guide action amid the Mahābhārata’s conflict.