Shloka 90
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
विषयेष्वनभिशज्ञो5हं धर्मार्थ किल संतति: । एवं लोकान् गमिष्यामि पुत्रैरिति न संशय:
viṣayeṣv anabhiśajño 'haṃ dharmārtha kila santatiḥ | evaṃ lokān gamiṣyāmi putrair iti na saṃśayaḥ ||
Aṣṭāvakra berkata: “Aku bukan orang yang mahir atau terjerat pada objek-objek indera; sebaliknya, ‘keturunanku’ dikatakan ialah dharma dan artha. Maka demikianlah aku akan mencapai alam-alam yang lebih tinggi—melalui ‘anak-anak lelaki’ seperti itu—tiada keraguan mengenainya.”
अष्टावक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
True ‘progeny’ can be understood as one’s cultivated virtues and rightful conduct—dharma and artha—rather than mere biological continuation. Detachment from sense-pleasures and commitment to ethical aims are presented as sufficient to secure auspicious spiritual outcomes.
Aṣṭāvakra speaks in a didactic context, redefining the idea of lineage: he claims he is not devoted to sense-enjoyments, and asserts that his continuation is dharma and artha. On that basis he expresses confidence of attaining higher worlds, as though supported by ‘sons’—here a metaphor for ethical and disciplined life.