Shloka 53
Aṣṭāvakra–Strī-saṃvāda: Dhṛti, hospitality, and a dispute on autonomy
नियोगादद्य यास्यामि वृद्धिमानृद्धिमान् भव । अथ निष्क्रम्य भगवान् प्रययावुत्तरामुख:,“धनाधिप! मैं बहुत प्रसन्न हूँ। आपकी सारी बातें आपके अनुरूप ही हैं। भगवन्! अब मैं आपकी कृपासे उन महात्मा महर्षि वदान्यकी आज्ञाके अनुसार आगे जाऊँगा। आप अभ्युदयशील एवं समृद्धिशाली हों।! इतना कहकर भगवान् अष्टावक्र उत्तर दिशाकी ओर मुँह करके चल दिये
niyogād adya yāsyāmi vṛddhimān ṛddhimān bhava | atha niṣkramya bhagavān prayayāv uttara-mukhaḥ ||
Bhishma disse: “Pelo comando que me foi dado, partirei hoje. Que estejas sempre em progresso e prosperidade.” Tendo falado assim, o venerável saiu e seguiu viagem com o rosto voltado para o norte — sinal de respeitosa obediência à injunção do sábio e de uma partida digna, alinhada ao dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic conduct: one should honor a righteous injunction (niyoga), speak blessings rather than harshness, and depart with dignity and reverence—especially in relation to sages and moral authority.
After expressing satisfaction and offering a benediction—“May you flourish and prosper”—the revered figure (identified in the surrounding context as Aṣṭāvakra) exits and proceeds northward, indicating he is leaving in accordance with the sage’s instruction.