Dialogue between Yudhishthira and Bhishma Pitamah
When the Mahabharata war was over and both sides accepted peace. Pandavas went to see Bhishma Pitamah who was lying on the bed of arrow.
The dialogue between Pandavas and Bhishma is called as “Shanti Parva” which unfolds the duties of the King, dharma and good governance, these teaching are passed by Bhishma and other Rishis.
In Mahabharata – Shantiparva Chapter 259, Yudhishthira queries about the nature of Dharma :
युधिष्ठिर उवाच||
इमे वै मानवाः सर्वे धर्मं प्रति विशङ्किताः |
कोऽयं धर्मः कुतो धर्मस्तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह ||1||
Yudhishthira asked Bhishma- Regarding Dharma there are doubts among human minds, therefore I want to know what is Dharma ? and from where did it originates ? please tell me !
भीष्म उवाच||
सदाचारः स्मृतिर्वेदास्त्रिविधं धर्मलक्षणम् ||3||
Bhishma replied to Yudhishthira – Vedas, Smriti scriptures and Good Behavior are the three indicator who highlight the Dharma.
लोकयात्रार्थमेवेह धर्मस्य नियमः कृतः ||4||
Because of the journey through this world, the Dharma is created.
धर्मस्य निष्ठा स्वाचारस्तमेवाश्रित्य भोत्स्यसे ||6||
One’s conduct is the base for Dharma and with the help of one’s conduct, one will know the right and wrong Dharma.
