Shloka 98
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
अथर्षिरभिसप्प्रेक्ष्य स्त्रियं तां जरयार्दिताम् । चिन्तां परमिकां भेजे संतप्त इव चाभवत्,इसके बाद ऋषि उस स्त्रीको जरावस्थासे पीड़ित देख बड़ी चिन्तामें पड़ गये और संतप्त-से हो उठे
atharṣir abhisamprekṣya striyaṃ tāṃ jarayārdhitām | cintāṃ paramikāṃ bheje saṃtapta iva cābhavat ||
Bhīṣma said: Then the sage, seeing that woman worn down by old age, was seized by profound concern, and he appeared as though inwardly scorched by distress.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic reflex: when a virtuous person witnesses frailty and suffering—especially in the vulnerable—they are moved to deep concern. Ethical life begins with attentive seeing (abhisamprekṣya) and an inner resolve to respond rather than remain indifferent.
A sage notices a woman afflicted by old age. The sight deeply troubles him, and he becomes visibly distressed, suggesting that the encounter will prompt reflection or action in the unfolding story.