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422
 
THE MAHABHARATA
 
Krishna -
 
"King Bhishma, I give you leave; join
the Vasus; there is no sin in you ; you have
the godhead which is of the pure spirit."
 
'प्राणानुत्स्रष्टुमिच्छामि तत्रानुज्ञातुमर्हथ ।
सत्येषु यतितव्यं वः सत्यं हि परमं बलम् ।'
 
एवमुक्त्वा कुरून्सर्वान् विशल्यस्सोऽभवत्तदा ॥
 
" I desire to give up my life (now) ;
you must all give me leave for it;
you must strive for Truth; Truth is the
greatest strength." Having said so to all
the Kurus, Bhishma became at that time,
rid of the arrow-heads (that had pierced
into his body).
 
सन्निरुद्धस्तु तेनात्मा सर्वेष्वायतनेषु च ।
जगाम भित्त्वा मूर्धानं दिवमभ्युत्पपात ह ॥
 
The vital breaths were controlled by
him at all the centres, and breaking open
his head, his soul shot up heavenwards.