Shloka 24
Aṣṭāvakra and the Woman: Disclosure, Permission, and Marital Resolution (अनुशासन पर्व, अध्याय २२)
आश्चर्य परम हीदं कि नु श्रेयो हि मे भवेत् । दिव्याभरणवत्त्रा हि कन्येयं मामुपस्थिता
āścaryaṁ parama hīdaṁ ki nu śreyo hi me bhavet | divyābharaṇavastrā hi kanyeyaṁ mām upasthitā ||
Aṣṭāvakra disse: “Isto é, de fato, uma maravilha suprema. Que bem, pergunto, poderá advir-me disso? Pois esta donzela—adornada com ornamentos e vestes divinas—veio e está diante de mim, em atitude de serviço.”
अष्टावक्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical discernment in the face of extraordinary events: even when something appears wondrous and attractive, one should ask whether it truly leads to śreyas (lasting welfare) rather than being merely a tempting marvel.
Aṣṭāvakra expresses astonishment that a maiden, splendidly adorned with divine clothing and jewelry, has appeared and stands before him in service; he reflects cautiously on whether this unexpected occurrence will be beneficial for him.