Shloka 19
Cyavana Explains His Tests; Kuśika Seeks Brāhmaṇya for His Line (च्यवन–कुशिक संवादः)
एवमुक्ते ततो वाक्ये च्यवनो भार्गवस्तदा । कुशिकं प्रत्युवाचेद॑ मुदा परमया युत:
evam ukte tato vākye cyavano bhārgavas tadā | kuśikaṁ pratyuvāceda mudā paramayā yutaḥ ||
Quand ces paroles eurent été ainsi prononcées, Cyavana, issu de la lignée de Bhṛgu, rempli en cet instant d’une joie suprême, répondit à Kuśika. Le récit souligne qu’un échange mesuré—des mots dits et accueillis dans l’esprit juste—peut mener à la clarté et à un dénouement auspice, révélant le poids éthique de la parole et de la réplique dans un dialogue fondé sur le dharma.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic importance of response in dialogue: when words are spoken appropriately, the reply—offered with a pure and joyful mind—can advance understanding and lead toward a constructive outcome. It implicitly values restraint, clarity, and goodwill in speech.
After certain words have been spoken (in the preceding context), the sage Cyavana, identified as a Bhārgava, turns to Kuśika and replies, doing so while filled with great joy. The verse functions as a narrative transition into Cyavana’s response.