Shloka 23
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
ततो नील वनोद्देशं द्रक्ष्यसे मेघसंनिभम् । रमणीयं मनोग्राहि तत्र वै द्रक्ष्यसे स्त्रियम्,तदनन्तर तुम्हें मेघोंकी घटाके समान नीला एक वन्य प्रदेश दिखायी देगा। वह बड़ा ही मनोरम और रमणीय है। उस वनमें तुम एक स्त्रीको देखोगे जो तपस्विनी, महान् सौभाग्यवती, वृद्धा और दीक्षापरायण है। तुम यत्नपूर्वक वहाँ उसका दर्शन और पूजन करना
tato nīla-vanoddeśaṃ drakṣyase megha-saṃnibham | ramaṇīyaṃ manogrāhi tatra vai drakṣyase striyam ||
Então verás uma região de floresta, azul-escura como uma massa de nuvens—bela e cativante ao espírito. Ali, de fato, contemplarás uma mulher. Depois disso, aproxima-te dela com cuidado, recebe o seu darśana e honra-a com veneração reverente.
वदान्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes respectful approach to spiritual authority: when one encounters a spiritually significant person (here, a woman to be met in the forest), one should proceed with care, humility, and reverence—expressed through darśana and pūjā—rather than casual or self-centered conduct.
A speaker gives directions for a forthcoming encounter: the listener will come upon a cloud-dark, beautiful forest tract, and there will see a woman. The instruction implies that this meeting is important and that the listener should intentionally seek her out and honor her.