गृहस्थधर्म विप्रेन्द्र कृत्वा पुत्रगतं त्वहम् । धर्म परमकं कुर्या को हि मार्गो भवेद् द्विज
gṛhasthadharma viprendra kṛtvā putragataṃ tv aham | dharmaṃ paramakaṃ kuryā ko hi mārgo bhaved dvija ||
قال البراهمي: «يا أفضلَ البراهمة، بعدما سلّمتُ واجباتِ دارما حياةِ ربّ البيت إلى أبنائي، أريد الآن أن أمارسَ أسمى الدارما. يا ذا الميلادين، أيُّ طريقٍ يكون حقًّا أنفعَ لي وأرجحَ؟»
ब्राह्मण उवाच
The verse frames a transition from gṛhastha-dharma (householder responsibilities) to the pursuit of a higher, more liberative dharma, asking which path is truly śreyas (spiritually beneficial). It highlights ethical succession—handing duties to the next generation—before seeking renunciation or higher discipline.
A Brahmin speaker addresses a revered Brahmin authority, stating that he has placed household obligations under his sons’ care and now seeks guidance on the best course for practicing the highest dharma, effectively requesting instruction on the appropriate next life-path.