Shloka 92
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
प्रिया: स्त्रीणां यथा कामो रतिशीला हि योषित: । सहस्रे किल नारीणां प्राप्पेतेका कदाचन
priyāḥ strīṇāṃ yathā kāmo ratiśīlā hi yoṣitaḥ | sahasre kila nārīṇāṃ prāpyate ekā kadācana ||
قال أَشْطافَكْرَا: «كما أنّ الشهوة محبوبة لدى النساء، وكما أنّ النساء بطبيعتهنّ مائلات إلى الحبّ والألفة، كذلك—بين آلاف النساء—قد تُنال أحيانًا واحدةٌ حقًّا، رفيقةٌ نادرةٌ استثنائية.»
अष्टावक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores discernment in relationships: desire and attraction are common human impulses, but a truly fitting, exceptional partner is rare and is ‘attained’ only sometimes—implying the need for restraint, careful choice, and ethical conduct rather than being driven merely by kāma.
Aṣṭāvakra is speaking in a didactic context within Anuśāsana Parva, offering observations about human tendencies and the rarity of an ideal companion, as part of broader moral instruction on conduct and values.