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 said: “I am not one who is skilled in, or entangled with, sense-objects; rather, my ‘offspring’ is said to be dharma and artha. Thus I shall attain the higher worlds—through ‘sons’ of this kind—of this there is no doubt.”
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.