Shloka 16
अध्याय ७४: अक्रोध–क्षमा–निवासनीति
Chapter 74: Non-anger, Forbearance, and the Ethics of Residence
निवेदयित्वा ते सर्वे आश्रमं पुनरागता: । पूजयित्वा यथान्यायमब्रवीच्च शकुन्तला,सब शिष्यगण राजाको महर्षिका संदेश सुनाकर पुनः आश्रमको लौट आये और शकुन्तला न्यायपूर्वक महाराजके प्रति सम्मानका भाव प्रकट करती हुई पुत्रसे बोली --
nivedayitvā te sarve āśramaṃ punarāgatāḥ | pūjayitvā yathānyāyam abravīc ca śakuntalā ||
After delivering the message, all of them returned again to the hermitage. Then Śakuntalā, having offered due honor in accordance with propriety, spoke—addressing her son—while maintaining a respectful disposition toward the king. The verse underscores the ethic of acting according to established norms (nyāya) even amid personal and dynastic tensions.
(वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as propriety in conduct: even when emotions and claims are involved, one should follow nyāya—proper procedure and respectful behavior—especially toward authority and elders.
Messengers or attendants who have conveyed a message return to the hermitage. Śakuntalā then performs the appropriate courtesies and begins speaking, directing her words to her son while maintaining due respect toward the king.