Shloka 9
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
समाप्तजप्यस्तूत्थाय शिरसा पादयोस्तदा । पपात देव्या धर्मात्मा वचन चेदमब्रवीत्
samāptajapyaḥ stūtvā utthāya śirasā pādayos tadā | papāta devyā dharmātmā vacanaṃ cedam abravīt ||
Bhishma said: When his recitation and prayer were complete, the righteous Brahmin rose, bowed his head at the Goddess Savitri’s feet, and fell prostrate in full reverence. Then he spoke as follows.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharmic conduct: spiritual practice (japa and praise) should culminate in humility and reverence, and one’s speech should arise from a disciplined, respectful posture toward the divine and toward dharma.
After completing his japa and hymn of praise, a righteous Brahmin rises, bows at Savitri’s feet, performs full prostration, and then begins to speak—introducing the next instruction or request in the episode.