13.021
Bhishma said.
Then that woman, having said this to the brāhmaṇa, 'Let it be so', took the divine oil and brought the bathing cloth. (13-21-1)
Having been permitted by the sage, that woman, by the great-souled one, then anointed all his limbs with oil. (13-21-2)
Slowly, having risen there, he approached the bath-house. Then the sage entered the splendid new auspicious seat. (13-21-3)
Then, when the sage was seated on that auspicious seat, he gently bathed him with comfortable hands. Afterwards, he performed the divine worship of the sage with proper offerings, following the prescribed rules. (13-21-4)
He, enjoying the very pleasant warmth and the comfort of her hand, the great vow-holder did not realize that the whole night had passed. (13-21-5)
Then, having risen, the sage, greatly astonished, saw the sun risen in the eastern sky. (13-21-6)
Is this his intellect, or is it delusion, or is this the truth? Then, having worshipped the thousand-rayed Sun, he said to her, "What should I do?" (13-21-7)
She brought to the sage food that was like the essence of nectar. Because of the sweetness of the food, he did not make it abundant. The rest of the day also passed, and then twilight arrived again. (13-21-8)
Then the woman said to the blessed one, "Let him sleep." There, indeed, on the divine bed prepared for both him and her. (13-21-9)
Aṣṭāvakra said.
O auspicious one, my mind does not become attached to other men's wives. Arise, O auspicious one, may good come to you; sleep indeed, and desist. (13-21-10)
Bhishma said.
Then, she, having been thus firmly turned back by the brāhmaṇa, said to him, "I am independent; there is no deceit of dharma for you." (13-21-11)
Aṣṭāvakra said.
There is no independence for women; women are indeed not independent. This is the doctrine of Prajāpati: a woman is not entitled to independence. (13-21-12)
The woman said.
O Brāhmaṇa, sexual union obstructs my devotion, see indeed. You will attain unrighteousness, Brāhmaṇa, because you do not welcome me. (13-21-13)
Aṣṭāvakra said.
They remove all kinds of faults from a man born as desired. By steadfastness, I am always capable, O auspicious one; go to your own bed. (13-21-14)
The woman said.
I bow my head, O brāhmaṇa; you are worthy to show favor. As I fall to the ground, be my refuge, O sinless one. (13-21-15)
If you see any fault arising in others' wives, O twice-born, today I touch my own self; take my hand.
There will be no fault, and indeed, I speak this truthfully. Know me as independent. If there is any unrighteousness, let that indeed be in me. (13-21-17)
Aṣṭāvakra said.
How are you independent, O auspicious lady? Tell the reason here. Indeed, there is no woman in the world who truly deserves independence. (13-21-18)
The father protects a woman in childhood, the husband protects her in youth, and the sons in old age; a woman does not deserve independence. (13-21-19)
The woman said.
My maidenhood is celibacy from childhood, O brāhmaṇa, of this there is no doubt. Do not hold a contrary opinion; do not abandon faith in me. (13-21-20)
Aṣṭāvakra said.
As it is for me, so it is for you; as it is for you, so it is for me. I wish to know, O sage, whether there would truly be any obstacle for him. (13-21-21)
This is a supreme wonder; what could be better for me? This maiden, adorned with divine ornaments and garments, has indeed appeared before me. (13-21-22)
But what was her supreme form that had become aged, and how did it become so again? How is it that today, here, she has the form of a maiden? What could be the answer to this here? (13-21-23)
As far as the utmost power of firmness allows, I will not rise in any way; indeed, I do not approve of rising, for by such firmness I accomplish my purpose. (13-21-24)
