This chapter (moksha dharma anuSasana parvam) forms the third in the Book of Peace which covers basically, the various advices Bhishma gave to Yudhishthira. The first two were the codes of conduct for people of all walks of life. The present chapter, mainly, deals with the topic of salvation. What are all the steps to be followed towards that aim? It is not a step by step approach. A large number of subjects are covered, the knowledge of which is all important for some one working towards salvation. Salvation, in the Indian context, should be understood as death without re-birth.
Some of the topics are purely philosophical. How to know about the self? Besides the example of many sages who were enlightened about the self, Bhishma tells the story of Vritra, the demon, who became a realized soul with the help of Sukra, the teacher of the Asuras. Yudhishthira had heard that Vritra was finally killed by Indra, the king of gods. How did that happen? In reply, Bhishma tells the story of Vritra which we may cover in Samskruthi soon. This story is so old that there is mention of it in Rigveda, the most ancient of all texts.
The story of Vritra has mention of a type fever (jwara) that inflicted Vritra which partly caused his downfall. To Yudhishthira’s query on the origin of that fever Bhishma tells the story of Daksha. We cover that story next in Samskruthi.
The story of Daksha has a special prayer composed by him in praise of Lord Siva which has one thousand names (sahasra naama stotram) of the god. This is different from the thousand named prayer on Siva appearing in the next book of Mahabharata.
Among dozens of other topics, Bhishma discussed the questions: how to get peace of mind? How to get rid of desire? What is result of greed for wealth (dhana trishNa)? What is the importance of sacrifices (tyaaga maahaatmyam)?
Some of the topics cover special steps towards salvation. One such is the life like that of a python (ajagara vruthi). The python waits for its prey to come to it. It eats whatever comes its way and remains contented. It can live for days together, if nothing passes its way. This is one of the ideals for salvation seekers.
Bhishma also discusses the original creation of the universe with all the five basic ‘elements’ (panca bhoota). There are several sections in this context going into the properties of the basic elements. The concept of the five life forces ( panca praaNa) is also discussed in this context.
The grand father tells the story of incarnation of Vishnu as a boar (Varaha) in this context. That was the third of the ten famous incarnations: fish, tortoise, boar, man-lion, a short Brahmin boy, Parasurama, Srirama, Balarama,
The important concept of the four classes of people (caaturvarNyam) and their duties are also discussed. Similarly, the four institutions in the life cycle (Aasrama) of a man, namely, student days, married life, life retired to a forest and finally the sainthood, are discussed at length.
One of the few steps towards salvation as told by Bhishma is meditation by chanting the name of god (dhyaana yoga and japayoga). The story of one such aspirant (jaapaka) is told at length. It is not as famous as the three other stories we mentioned earlier. It also does not invoke much interest. So, we leave that out along with several others appearing in the chapter.
(to be continued)
