Shloka 37
Bhīṣma’s Yogic Departure, Royal Cremation, and Gaṅgā’s Lament (भीष्मस्य योगयुक्त्या देहत्यागः, पितृमेधः, गङ्गाविलापः)
भवांक्षाप्यार्जवपर: पूर्व कृत्वा प्रतिश्रयम् । राजवृत्तं न लभते प्रतिज्ञापालने रत:
bhavān kṣāpya ārjavaparaḥ pūrvaṃ kṛtvā pratiśrayam | rājavṛttaṃ na labhate pratijñāpālane rataḥ, yudhiṣṭhira |
भीष्म उवाच— युधिष्ठिर! भवांक्षाप्यार्जवपरः पूर्वं कृत्वा प्रतिश्रयम् । वासुदेवस्य शरणं गतः, प्रतिज्ञापालने रतः सन् राजवृत्तं न लभसे ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma highlights a tension within dharma: personal integrity and strict vow-keeping can sometimes prevent a ruler from employing the flexible, strategic conduct expected in kingship (rājavṛtta). He implies that a king must balance truthfulness and promises with the practical demands of governance.
Bhishma addresses Yudhishthira, characterizing him as exceptionally straightforward and devoted to keeping promises. He notes that Yudhishthira has already taken refuge in Vasudeva (Krishna), yet because he is absorbed in fulfilling his vow, he is not embracing the full range of royal conduct and expedients appropriate to a king.