After the Pandavas had freed the cattle of King Virata from the hands of the Trigartas, the Kauravas themselves soon attempted a daring cattle raid. In the ensuing battle, Arjuna, radiant with his diadem, single-handedly defeated all the Kauravas and heroically recovered the herds. In gratitude, King Virata bestowed his daughter Uttara in marriage—not to Arjuna, but as a daughter-in-law for Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Subhadra, thus forging a bond between their houses. Thus concludes the fourth great book, the Virata Parva, as it is told and enumerated by the supreme sage. This parva contains sixty-seven chapters and two thousand and fifty verses, all recounted by the sage learned in the Vedas. Now, listen to the narration of the fifth book, the Udyoga Parva. When the Pandavas had established themselves at Upaplavya, eager for victory, both Duryodhana and Arjuna sought the aid of Krishna, desiring his support in the coming war. Krishna, wise and impartial, offered them a choice: on one side, he himself—unarmed and vowing not to fight, to serve only as a counselor; on the other, a vast Akshauhini of his troops. Duryodhana, blinded by pride and poor judgment, chose the army, while Arjuna humbly chose Krishna himself as his guide and charioteer. As the king of Madra, Shalya, journeyed to join the Pandavas, Duryodhana cunningly intercepted him with gifts and persuaded him to grant a boon: to give his assistance to the Kauravas. Yet, Shalya, having promised, still went to the Pandavas. In this parva is also recounted how, with peaceful intent, King Yudhishthira narrated the tale of Indra’s victory, and how the Pandavas’ priest was sent as a messenger to the Kauravas. The words and journey of the priest are described, as well as the efforts of King Dhritarashtra, who, desiring peace with the Pandavas, sent Sanjaya as an envoy. Upon hearing of the Pandavas’ strength and Krishna’s presence, Dhritarashtra passed a restless night, his mind troubled. Vidura then spoke many wise and beneficial words to the anxious king, and Sanatsujata expounded the supreme knowledge of the Self to ease his grief. At dawn, in the royal assembly, Sanjaya spoke of the unity and power of Krishna and Arjuna. Krishna himself, full of compassion and wisdom, journeyed to the city of Nagasahvaya, seeking to broker peace. Yet Duryodhana, unmoved by Krishna’s pleas for the welfare of both sides, refused all requests for reconciliation. Within this parva are recounted the tale of Dambhodbhava, the boons sought by the great Mātali, the story of the sage Galava, and the stirring instruction given by Vidula to her son. Krishna, perceiving the deceitful counsel of Karna, Duryodhana, and their allies, revealed their intentions to the assembled kings. He then took Karna aside and, with many arguments, urged him to join the Pandavas, but Karna, bound by loyalty, refused. Krishna returned from Hastinapura to Upaplavya and faithfully recounted all that had transpired to the Pandavas. After considering his words, the Pandavas, resolute, made ready for war. From Hastinapura, vast hosts of men, horses, chariots, and elephants marched out, their numbers recorded in detail. On the eve of battle, King Duryodhana sent Uluka as a messenger to the Pandavas. The enumeration of warriors and the tale of Amba are told here, completing the fifth book of the Bharata, filled with both negotiations and preparations for conflict. The Udyoga Parva, as declared by the sage, contains one hundred and eighty-six chapters and six thousand one hundred and ninety-six verses, composed by Vyasa of noble intellect. Thereafter begins the Bhishma Parva, the sixth book, with many themes. In it, Sanjaya describes the structure of Jambudvipa, and how Yudhishthira’s army was seized by deep despondency. A fierce and dreadful battle raged for ten days. During this time, Krishna dispelled Arjuna’s confusion, destroying his delusion with the wisdom of those who seek liberation, ever mindful of Yudhishthira’s welfare. At one point, Krishna, noble-hearted, leapt from his chariot, whip in hand, ready to confront Bhishma himself. But Arjuna, struck by Krishna’s words as if by a whip, rallied and took his stand in battle. Placing Shikhandin in front, Arjuna released sharp arrows that finally brought Bhishma down from his chariot, laying him upon a bed of arrows. Thus is the sixth parva described in detail—the Bhishma Parva—where the great Bhishma fell, and the course of destiny moved ever forward.