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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.