Shloka 16
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
सत्कृत्य तं तथा विप्रमिदं पुनरथाब्रवीत् । भगवन् परवन्न्तौ स्वो ब्रूहि किं करवावहे
satkṛtya taṃ tathā vipram idaṃ punar athābravīt | bhagavan paravantau svaḥ brūhi kiṃ karavāvahe ||
Having duly honored that brahmin-sage, they spoke to him again: “Revered sir, we—husband and wife—are under your direction. Tell us: what service should we render to you?” The verse highlights the ethic of hospitality and humility toward a worthy guest, and the willingness to place one’s agency in the guidance of a virtuous ascetic.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches the dharmic ideal of honoring a worthy guest—especially a learned and virtuous brahmin—and then offering oneself in service with humility, seeking guidance rather than asserting one’s own will.
After respectfully receiving and honoring a brahmin-sage, a married couple addresses him again, declaring their readiness to follow his direction and asking what they should do to serve him.