Pātra-Lakṣaṇa and Niścita-Dharma
Marks of a Worthy Recipient and Stable Criteria of Dharma
भीष्म उवाच श्रुत्वा तु वचनं तस्या: स विप्र: प्राउजलि: स्थित: । अनुज्ञातस्तया चापि स्वगृहं पुनरात्रजत्
bhīṣma uvāca śrutvā tu vacanaṃ tasyāḥ sa vipraḥ prāñjaliḥ sthitaḥ | anujñātas tayā cāpi svagṛhaṃ punar ājagāma ||
Bhishma dit : Ayant entendu ses paroles, le brahmane se tint devant elle, les mains jointes en signe de révérence. Puis, après avoir reçu sa permission, il retourna de nouveau dans sa propre demeure—manifestant la discipline morale de l’humilité, de la retenue et du respect dû à l’autorité légitime.
भीष्म उवाच
The verse highlights dharmic conduct expressed through humility (prāñjali), attentive listening, and acting only after receiving proper permission (anujñā). Respectful behavior toward a rightful speaker/authority is presented as an ethical norm.
After hearing the woman’s statement, the brahmin stands respectfully with folded hands before her. Once she grants him leave, he departs and returns to his own home.