Shloka 18
Indra–Mataṅga Saṃvāda: On the rarity and responsibilities of Brāhmaṇya (इन्द्र-मतङ्ग संवादः)
एवमुक्तो मतड़स्तु प्रतिप्रायाद् गृहं प्रति । तमागतमभिप्रेक्ष्य पिता वाक्यमथाब्रवीत्,गदहीके ऐसा कहनेपर मतंग फिर अपने घरको लौट गया। उसे लौटकर आया देख पिताने इस प्रकार कहा--
evam ukto mataṅgas tu pratiprāyād gṛhaṃ prati | tam āgatam abhiprekṣya pitā vākyam athābravīt ||
Thus addressed, Mataṅga set out again toward his home. Seeing him return, his father then spoke these words—continuing the instruction that frames the moral direction of the episode.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse functions as a narrative hinge: after being instructed, Mataṅga returns, and the father resumes guidance. The ethical emphasis is on receiving counsel, returning to one’s proper place, and continuing instruction within the family framework that supports dharma.
Mataṅga, having been spoken to, goes back toward his home. His father sees him arrive and begins to speak, indicating the next part of the dialogue or teaching that follows.