Shloka 4.51.8
स्वयंप्रभा-प्रश्नोत्तरम् / Svayamprabha Explains the Golden Forest and Questions the Vanaras
पुष्पिताः फलवन्तश्च पुण्यास्सुरभिगन्धिनः।।4.51.6।।इमे जाम्बूनदमयाः पादपाः कस्य तेजसा।काञ्चनानि च पद्मानि जातानि विमले जले।।4.51.7।।कथं मत्स्याश्च सौवर्णा दृश्यन्ते सह कच्छपैः।आत्मानमनुभावं च कस्य चैतत्तपोबलम्।।4.51.8।।अजानतां न स्सर्वेषां सर्वमाख्यातुमर्हसि।
kiṃ kāryaṃ kasya vā hetoḥ kāntārāṇi prapaśyatha || 4.51.18 || kathaṃ cedaṃ vanaṃ durgaṃ yuṣmābhir upalakṣitam |
What is your task, and for what purpose do you search these wilderness tracts? And how did you discover this inaccessible, difficult forest?
'By whose prowess are these golden trees yielding sacred fragrant flowers and fruits? How are these golden lotuses created in the clear water? How is it that here are golden fishes and tortoises? Whose fruit of penance is this? Is it by your power? We do not know. You should tell all of us everything'.
Discernment through inquiry: dharma requires knowing intention (kārya/hetu) before extending aid or judgment; motives matter in ethical evaluation.
The ascetic questions the newcomers about their mission and how they reached a difficult, hidden forest region.
Practical wisdom—she combines hospitality with careful questioning to ensure proper, dharmic engagement.