Shloka 81
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
कामेन मोहिता चाहं त्वां भजन्तीं भजस्व माम् | प्रह्द्ो भव विप्रर्षे समागच्छ मया सह
kāmena mohitā cāhaṃ tvāṃ bhajantīṃ bhajasva mām | prahṛṣṭo bhava viprarṣe samāgaccha mayā saha ||
Auch ich bin vom Begehren betört und in Verblendung geraten. Da du mir ergeben bist, sei mir auch erwidernd ergeben. O brahmanischer Seher, sei froh und komm, vereine dich mit mir.
सअद्टावक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds how kāma (desire) can cloud discernment and push one toward ethically risky reciprocity—inviting attachment simply because the other is attached. It implicitly warns that being 'mohita' (deluded) by passion can invert proper judgment, making consent and restraint central ethical concerns.
The speaker confesses being overcome by desire and urges the addressed brahmin-seer to reciprocate devotion/attachment and to come together with him. The line functions as a direct solicitation framed in the language of mutual 'bhajana' (devoted attachment).