Shloka 16
Adhyāya 60: Devagaṇa–Ṛṣi–Prajāpatīnāṃ Sambhavaḥ
Origins of Divine Classes, Sages, and Progenitors
भगवानपि तं॑ दृष्टवा कुशल प्रतिवेद्य च । सदस्यै: पूजित: सर्वे: सदस्यान् प्रत्यपूजयत्,भगवान् व्यासने भी जनमेजयकी ओर देखकर अपना कुशल-समाचार बताया तथा अन्य सभासदोंद्वारा सम्मानित हो उनका भी सम्मान किया
bhagavān api taṁ dṛṣṭvā kuśala-prativedya ca | sadasyaiḥ pūjitaḥ sarvaiḥ sadasyān pratyapūjayat ||
Seeing him, the venerable sage first conveyed his well-being. Then, having been honored by all the assembled members, he returned their courtesy by honoring the assembly in turn—modeling the ethic of mutual respect and proper conduct in a learned gathering.
शौनक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette: one should inquire after well-being and reciprocate honor. Respect in a learned assembly is mutual—receiving reverence should lead to returning reverence, sustaining harmony and humility.
Śaunaka describes a revered figure arriving or being present before an assembly: he sees the person addressed, conveys his well-being, is honored by the assembled members, and then honors them back in return.