Bhishma: The Promise and the Price
Everyone glorifies Bhishma Pitamah—the man who gave up everything: throne, love, family—just to fulfill his father’s wish. And yes, that sacrifice was commendable.
But what followed is harder to praise.
His loyalty to Hastinapura was absolute, no matter who ruled, even when it was Duryodhana. He stayed silent. Bound by his oath.
He abducted Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika in the name of duty, and when Amba demanded justice, he chose his vow over her autonomy. Over dharma.
That was Gangeya's tragedy.
He knew what was right. He warned, he advised, he understood. But when it came to action? He chose his frickin OATH. Every single time.
Bhishma is not just about sacrifice; he is what happens when duty becomes blind, when a vow matters more than the welfare of the people.
And maybe that’s why his end wasn’t peaceful; lying on a bed of arrows, watching the destruction of EVERYTHING he swore to protect.