Shloka 22
Indra–Mataṅga Saṃvāda: On the rarity and responsibilities of Brāhmaṇya (इन्द्र-मतङ्ग संवादः)
एवमुक्त्वा स पितरं प्रतस्थे कृतनिश्चय: । ततो गत्वा महारण्यमतपत् सुमहतु तपः,पितासे ऐसा कहकर मतंग तपस्याके लिये दृढ़ निश्चय करके घरसे निकल पड़ा और एक महान् वनमें जाकर वहाँ बड़ी भारी तपस्या करने लगा
evam uktvā sa pitaraṃ pratasthē kṛtaniścayaḥ | tato gatvā mahāraṇyam atapat sumahat tapaḥ ||
父にこのように告げると、彼は固い決意をもって旅立った。やがて大いなる森へ赴き、きわめて苛烈な苦行に身を投じた――目的を成し遂げ、自ら正しいと信ずる道を守るため、規律ある離欲と出離をその手段として選んだのである。
मतंग उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights niścaya (firm resolve) and tapas (disciplined austerity) as ethical-spiritual instruments: when one is committed to a chosen dharmic aim, one must act decisively and accept rigorous self-discipline rather than remain in indecision.
After addressing his father, Matanga departs from home with determination, goes into a vast forest, and begins intense ascetic practice, marking a transition from household life to a life of austerity in pursuit of his objective.