Shloka 156
Adhyāya 69: Strategic duels under Bhīṣma’s command
Virāṭa–Bhīṣma; Arjuna–Aśvatthāmā; Bhīma–Duryodhana; Abhimanyu–Lakṣmaṇa
एतदक्षरमव्यक्तमेतद् वै शाश्वतं महः । “ये भगवान् ही परम गुह्य हैं। ये ही परम पद हैं। ये ही परम ब्रह्म हैं। ये ही परम यश हैं और ये ही अक्षर, अव्यक्त एवं सनातन तेज हैं
etad akṣaram avyaktam etad vai śāśvataṁ mahaḥ | ye bhagavān hi parama-guhyāḥ | ye hi paramaṁ padam | ye hi paramaṁ brahma | ye hi paramaṁ yaśaḥ | ye hi akṣaram avyaktam sanātana-tejaḥ ||
एतदक्षरमव्यक्तमेतद्वै शाश्वतं महः ।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse identifies the Supreme as the imperishable (akṣara) and unmanifest (avyakta) reality—eternal, luminous, and ultimately the highest goal (paramaṁ padam). It frames the Lord/Brahman not as a limited deity but as the deepest metaphysical principle and final refuge, emphasizing reverence, contemplation, and orientation of life toward the highest good.
In Bhīṣma Parva, amid the war setting and its moral gravity, Bhīṣma speaks in a doctrinal register, pointing beyond battlefield outcomes to the supreme, hidden reality. His statement functions as a spiritual anchoring: even in conflict, the ultimate measure is alignment with the eternal Brahman/Lord, described as imperishable, unmanifest, and everlasting radiance.