Shloka 1.57.20
विश्वामित्रस्य दक्षिणतपः तथा त्रिशङ्कोः स्वशरीरेण स्वर्गगमनाभिलाषः (Visvamitra’s Southern Austerity and Trisanku’s Bodily Ascent Aspiration)
प्रत्याख्यातो वसिष्ठेन गतिमन्यां तपोधना:।।1.57.20।।गुरुपुत्रानृते सर्वान्नाहं पश्यामि काञ्चन।
pratyākhyāto vasiṣṭhena gatim anyāṃ tapodhanāḥ || 1.57.20 ||
guruputrān ṛte sarvān nāhaṃ paśyāmi kāñcana |
Rejected by Vasiṣṭha, O you whose wealth is tapas, I see no other course at all—except the sons of my teacher.
O Ascetocs! after having been rejected by Vasishta. I do not see any way other than the sons of my spiritual guide to help me achieve my purpose.
Dharma acknowledges rightful authority: when the primary preceptor refuses, one seeks legitimate alternative guidance within the same ethical and spiritual lineage, not through coercion.
Viśvāmitra explains that after Vasiṣṭha’s refusal, his only hope is Vasiṣṭha’s sons to help him proceed.
Practical humility and accountability—he accepts refusal and seeks a proper, respectful path forward.