Shloka 12
Adhyāya 199: Karma–Jñāna Causality and the Nirguṇa Brahman
Manu’s Instruction
इत्युक्तः स तदा देव्या विप्र: प्रोवाच धर्मवित् जप्यं॑ प्रति ममेच्छेयं वर्धत्विति पुन: पुन:
ity uktaḥ sa tadā devyā vipraḥ provāca dharmavit | japyaṃ prati mamēccheyaṃ vardhatv iti punaḥ punaḥ ||
当时女神如此发问，那位通晓法（dharma）的婆罗门答道：“关于应当持诵的圣咒，我的愿望是：愿它不断增长。”他一再如此说道。
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes a dharmic aspiration toward continual increase in the power and purity of japa (disciplined mantra-recitation). The Brahmin’s repeated wish underscores steadiness, humility, and commitment to spiritual growth rather than transient gain.
After being addressed by the Goddess, a dharma-knowing Brahmin responds. He expresses his desire concerning the recitable sacred formula—asking that it may grow or flourish—repeating the wish again and again.