Shloka 11
लुब्धक-कपोत-कपोती-आख्यानम्
The Hunter and the Pigeon Couple: Expiation and Refuge-Ethics
सा हि श्रान्तं क्षुधार्त च जानीते मां तपस्विनी । अनुरक्ता स्थिरा चैव भक्ता स्निग्धा यशस्विनी
sā hi śrāntaṃ kṣudhārtaṃ ca jānīte māṃ tapasvinī | anuraktā sthirā caiva bhaktā snigdhā yaśasvinī ||
毗湿摩说道：“那位苦行女深知我已疲惫不堪，又为饥饿所逼。然而不知何故，她仍未前来。她对我情意深重，心志坚定，虔诚奉事，温柔亲爱，且名声清白。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast devotion and affectionate care (bhakti, snigdhatā) within relationships, alongside the expectation that one who knows another’s suffering (fatigue and hunger) should respond with timely support—linking inner virtue (steadiness, austerity) with practical compassion.
Bhishma describes an ascetic woman who is devoted and well-regarded, emphasizing that she knows his condition—he is tired and hungry—yet she has not come. His words underscore both her virtues and the puzzling delay in her response.