Hanuman said, ‘O Vibhishana, mere repetition of the Lord’s name is not enough, you should participate in His work, Only then, you can be a recipient of His grace.’ As soon as Vibhishana heard these words, he crossed the ocean, and fell at Rama’s feet seeking His refuge. In this respect we can say that Vibhishana is greater than Bhishma. Vibhishana tried to put his brothers on the right path, but ultimately left them, as they did not pay heed to his good counsels; whereas, Bhishma did not even make an attempt to counsel Kauravas and continued to live with them, being fully aware of their evil designs.

When Vibhishana sought Rama’s refuge, Sugriva, Jambavantha opposed saying, ‘Swami, you should never believe these Rakshasas. There must be some ulterior motive behind this act of Vibhishana. So ask him to return to Lanka. ‘Then Rama replied, ‘Once someone says, ‘I am yours’ whoever he may be, I will not reject Vibhishana,’ This is a testimony to God’s Love. Once you say ‘I am yours’ then live up to it with strong faith. Thereafter, God will take care of you at all places, and under all circumstances. I expect and bless you so that you develop strong faith, give up vices, join good company, entertain feelings and attain Divinity. (SSS Vol.31, pp.363-364)

Give Up Hatred:

When he failed to correct Ravana, he gave him up, joined the forces of Dharma, and surrendered himself to Divinity. Vibhishana stands superior even to Bhishma in this respect. Though Bhishma was a virtuous one, he did not give up the Kauravas when they resorted to foul and unjust ways. In fact he became a party to sin and unrighteousness, by becoming the Commander-in-chief of their forces. Hatred is the cause of war, and desires are the cause for hatred. Anger arises if desires are not fulfilled. Ego arises if desires are fulfilled. Hence, an effort should be made to cut down one’s desires, give up one’s hatred, and strive for Divine Grace. This, for man, is the foremost duty. (SSB 1996, pp.90-91)

In the Mahabharata, we have heroic figure Bhishma, He was a great sage, a Jnani (man of supreme wisdom) and a person of unshakable determination. He stood foremost in honouring his plighted word. Such a person knew quite well that what he was allowing the Kauravas to do was manifestly wrong. He knew that Kauravas were indulging in evil deeds. He was aware that they were following unrighteous and untruthful ways, Nevertheless he was too weak to correct them or prevent them from pursuing their evil courses. Nor was that all. He accepted the role of Commander-in-Chief of the Kaurava armies. This was a blemish in his character. He was unable to act up to the dictates of his Antarvani (conscience). Therein lay his weakness.

Compare Bhishma’s failure with the conduct of Vibhishana. He was of demonic lineage and lived and moved among Rakshasas. He was aware that what his elder brother (Ravana) had done (by kidnapping Sita) was wrong. Knowing this, he warned Ravana in various ways. He repeatedly told Ravana: ‘This is wrong. You should not do this. It is not good for you.’ Vibhishana felt that it was his duty to warn Ravana (against his evil ways). Ultimately, failing to convince Ravana, he chose to give up his brother and seek asylum with Rama.

When we compare the attitudes of the two, we find that Vibhishana is greater than Bhishma. Despite his knowing the wicked ways of the Kauravas, Bhishma was unable to intervene. Vibhishana, on the contras, chided Ravana. He turned away from the wicked and found refuge in God. Thus, in the practice of sacred actions, Vibhishana emerges as a greater figure than Bhishma. This is the lesson taught by the epics. (SSS Vol.27, p.78-79)

It is interesting to study the conduct of Bhishma and Vibhishana in similar situations. It is clear Vibhishana is a greater person than Bhishma. Why? Knowing that the Kauravas were committing a grievous wrong, Bhishma remained silent without condemning them. Moreover, he accepted the role of Commander-in-chief of the Kaurava armies in the Kurukshetra battle. Vibhishana acted differently. He roundly condemned the wrong action of his brother. He advised Ravana to return Sita to Rama. Ultimately he renounced everything and sought surrender at the Feet of Rama. Lanka had many such high-minded persons besides Vibhishana. But cowed down by the wickedness of the Rakshasa, they were unable to protest against the bad persons. (SSS Vol.29, p145.)