Shloka 6
अथ शिष्यसहस्राणि समनुज्ञातवानृषि: । उत्तड़क॑ परया प्रीत्या नाभ्यनुज्ञातुमैच्छत । त॑ क्रमेण जरा तात प्रतिपेदे महामुनिम्,उन महर्षिने अपने सहस्रों शिष्योंको पढ़ाकर घर जानेकी आज्ञा दे दी; परंतु उत्तड़कपर अधिक प्रेम होनेके कारण वे उन्हें घर जानेकी आज्ञा नहीं देना चाहते थे। तात! क्रमश: उन महामुनि उत्तंकको वृद्धावस्था प्राप्त हुई
atha śiṣya-sahasrāṇi samanujñātavān ṛṣiḥ | uttaṅkaṃ parayā prītyā nābhyanujñātum aicchat | taṃ krameṇa jarā tāta pratipede mahāmunim ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The sage, having duly granted leave to his thousands of students, did not wish to dismiss Uttaṅka, for he loved him exceedingly. But, dear one, in due course old age overtook that great ascetic.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even strong bonds of affection within the guru–disciple relationship are subject to time; the verse underscores impermanence (jarā) and the ethical maturity required to accept change and separation.
The teacher-sage dismisses his many students after their studies, but hesitates to send away Uttaṅka because of special affection; nevertheless, as time passes, old age comes upon the great ascetic.