Vocal!

 

At Duryodhana’s request to talk more about the warriors on Pāndava side, Bhisma responded by categorizing numerous warriors. While doing so, he said: Virata, Drupada and Dhristaketu (son of Sisupala) are maha-rathas. Bhima, Dhrishtadyumna, Kuntibhoja & Satyajit (son of Drupada) are ati-rathas. Of course, Arjun is the best of all ati-rathas, & his son, Abhimanyu is practically on equal level

 

Bhisma proceeded to describe Arjuna's incomparable prowess, and he also narrated his wonderful conquests & described his unrivaled celestial weapons. When assembled kings heard this & considered how Arjuna had Sri Krsna as his ally, they became disheartened

 

Bhisma concluded: On Kaurava side only Drona & I are capable of contending with Arjuna, but since he is youthful & we are old and worn out in comparison, he must be considered superior. Still, I will mainly fight with Arjuna and Krsna, just to keep them engaged. However, even if Shikhandi attacks me, I will not fight against him, for it is my vow to never kill a woman, or one who was formerly a woman

 

My dear Duryodhana, I can assure you that I’m capable of killing all the assembled kings, although I will never kill the Pandavas.                                        

Duryodhana requested: O Grandsire! Pls tell me why you are unwilling to fight with Shikhandi, even if he attacks you?

 

In reply, Bhisma narrated the following history:

 

After Shantanu's death, his eldest son, Chitrangada, was elected as the King of the Kurus. Later on, when Chitrangada was killed in battle by the Gandharva king, his younger brother, Viicitravirya, was installed upon the throne, in spite  of his being very  young                                                                                                  

 

After some time, Bhisma wanted to obtain wives for his younger stepbrother. When he heard that King of Kasi's three daughters-Amba, Ambalika & Ambika-were holding a Swayamvar, Bhisma went there. After challenging assembled kings, Bhisma forcibly took the three girls onto his chariot & swiftly departed. The outraged kings hurriedly chased Bhisma & soon surrounded him, but Santanu’s son quickly cut down the flags from their chariots & killed their horses & drivers

 

Upon seeing this incomparable display of prowess, the kings desisted from fighting out of fear for their lives & so Bhisma continued towards Hastinapur, unimpeded

 

Braves see no reason to tell their limitations. In fact, their limitations are their strength of character. Here Bhima is vocal about his strengths & his impediments. We at times project our self which is all conquering and do not articulate our restraints

 

If we don’t acknowledge our weakness, how can we calibrate our response in tough situations?

 

Thoughts? #gameoflife

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