Shloka 24
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
तपस्विनीं महाभागां वृद्धां दीक्षामनुछिताम् । द्रष्टव्या सा त्वया तत्र सम्पूज्या चैव यत्नतः,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
tapasvinīṃ mahābhāgāṃ vṛddhāṃ dīkṣāmanucchitām | draṣṭavyā sā tvayā tatra sampūjyā caiva yatnataḥ ||
Ali deves buscar a visão daquela mulher asceta—muitíssimo afortunada, idosa e firme em seus votos de dīkṣā. Tendo-a encontrado, deves honrá-la e venerá-la com cuidadoso empenho.
वदान्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
One should diligently seek out and honor those established in tapas and dīkṣā—especially venerable elders—because reverence to disciplined, virtuous persons is itself a dharmic act.
The speaker gives guidance to the listener: upon reaching a certain place, the listener is to meet an aged female ascetic who is unwavering in her vows, and to worship her respectfully and with care.