Shloka 57
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
ततो<परं वनोद्देशं रमणीयमपश्यत । सर्वर्तुभिर्मूलफलै: पक्षिभिश्च॒ समन्वितै:
tato 'paraṃ vanoddeśaṃ ramaṇīyam apaśyata | sarvartubhir mūlaphalaiḥ pakṣibhiś ca samanvitaiḥ ||
Bhishma berkata: Sesudah itu dia melihat lagi suatu kawasan hutan yang indah, kaya dengan akar-akar dan buah-buahan pada setiap musim, serta dihidupkan oleh burung-burung—sebuah tempat berteduh yang mengundang, seolah-olah alam sendiri diam-diam menyokong mereka yang menempuh pengekangan diri dan kelakuan yang benar.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the forest as a naturally sustaining, peaceful environment—symbolizing how a life oriented toward restraint and dharma can be supported by simple, seasonally available means rather than dependence on luxury.
Bhishma describes the sighting of another beautiful forest region, abundant in roots and fruits throughout the seasons and filled with birds, setting a serene scene within the ongoing discourse of the Anushasana Parva.