Apaddharma Parva is the eighty seventh Upa parva included in the twelfth Maha parva named as Shanti parva. Vaishampayana continued narration to Janamejaya in reply to his queries as follows.
What did Bheeshma explain to Yudhishtira about difficulties?
Bheeshma spoke about items like peace treaty, escaping for self-defense and fighting in the war, with Yudhishtira. The treasury may get empty, the servants may cheat, and the ministers could help the enemies, Bheeshma told, are the various challenges.
Between moral strength and physical strength, how did Bheeshma explain?
Bheeshma said that physical strength predominates over moral strength in worldly situations and that life must be carefully protected through self‑defense in times of danger. If life is preserved, then in the future, a person who is currently weak can later gain physical strength. Dharma follows the one who survives and continues to act.
Therefore, self‑defense should be the first consideration for any living being in this world. Strength is always honoured, and the weak are often neglected. Even if the prince is a child, if the ministers who rule on his behalf are strong, the kingdom can be said to be in a comfortable position.
How did Bheeshm appreciate the benefits of strength?
वश्यो बलवतां धर्मः सुखं भोगवतामिव ।
नास्त्यसाध्यं बलवतां सर्वं बलवतां शुचि ॥
If a person possesses strength, society respects him as one who upholds dharma. For the strong, almost nothing is impossible, and all actions appear justified. A man in danger can survive and regain strength through continuous effort. In the presence of the powerful, everything appears orderly, pure, and well‑maintained.
What is to be done in disastrous situations?
विज्ञान बलमास्थाय जीवितव्यं तथागते ।
सर्वं साध्वर्थमेवेदमस्वाध्वर्थं न किं च न ॥
One should rely on knowledge and wisdom and face life as it comes. Everything ultimately turns towards the good of life and not towards its destruction. These were Bheeshma’s words to Yudhishtira.
Bheeshma was explaining the conduct of a sincere Brahmin and how he approaches life. The prime duty of any good Brahmin is to learn and practice the Vedas. In times of disaster, the Vedas contain verses that act as remedies. The learning and scientific understanding of such a person can help the king overcome adverse situations.
How was savings appreciated by Bheeshma?
Bheeshma appreciated the importance of saving wealth in the national treasury. If wealth and deposits are kept safely and managed properly, the entire nation is uplifted. He emphasized that the status of every citizen should be raised by all possible means. The ruler must strictly adhere to accepted laws and righteous methods while filling his treasury.
How did Bheeshma appreciate the ‘powerful’ and ‘truthful’?
बह्वपथ्यं बलवति न किं चित्रायते भयात् ।
उभौ सत्याधिकारौ तौ त्रायते महतो भयात् ॥
Even if a powerful person has many faults, out of fear, people do not expose them. The combination of truth and power gives double protection and saves one from great fear.
Bheeshma appreciated that the powerful and the truthful are the ones who lead the world. Such a person lives as a fearless example to others and protects them from great dangers. Therefore, the king should be strong, yet sincere and truthful.
How do suffering people get rid of their difficulties?
ईश्वरं सर्वभूतानां जगतः प्रभवाप्ययं ।
भक्ता नारायणं ये च दुर्गाण्यतितरंति ते ॥
God, Narayana, is the supreme Lord of all beings and the ultimate ruler of this world. Those who are devoted to Narayana and who worship Him with faith eventually cross over their difficulties in due course of their lives.
What was most highly appreciated in social administration?
॥ आचारमेव मन्यंते गरीयो धर्म लक्षणं ॥
The highest form of conduct is considered the most important sign of dharma. The best “rituals” are non‑violence and helping those in need. Such conduct is regarded as the most highly appreciated principle in social administration.
What were the reasons for bad times in the nation, like cyclones, floods, or famine, and why were Brahmins not allowed to reside in small islands?
In the Varnashrama system of society, Brahmins are considered those who live for the welfare of others. According to Bheeshma, all creatures on this earth have the right to live. Cyclones, floods, and famines are natural calamities, but such bad times arise especially when Brahmins become disturbed and are no longer able to live peacefully on that land. Their daily prayers help prevent such natural disasters.
The ruler must be vigilant in his actions so that innocent people do not suffer. In difficult situations, the ruler should act promptly and inspire people to help one another, providing protection to all.
Bheeshma said that Brahmins were not allowed to reside in small islands because their huts and hermitages could not withstand strong sea winds, coastal erosion, or high waves. This practical consideration was one of the reasons for selecting Dwaraka as a place to build Krishna’s palace. There was no Brahmin family residing permanently on the Dwaraka island, as Bheeshma explained.
Next post, Mahabharat: Mokshadharma Parva would be more interesting.
Mahabharat: Danadharma Parva would be presented separately in another article.
What are the benefits of reading this story?
On reading this story, children would gain more memory power, great moral strength in their lives in future; creating a sense of self-reliance, leading to peace and progress.
It is humbly prayed for the blessings of God Krishna upon us.
Readers may share this story with children, friends and family.
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