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 ||
かく言葉が語り終えられるや、ブリグ族の賢者チャヴァナは、その時至上の歓喜に満ちて、クシカに答えた。物語は、言葉を慎み深く交わし—正しい心で語り、正しい心で受けとめるなら—明晰さと吉祥なる決着に至ることを示し、ダルマに根ざす対話における言と応の倫理的重みを映し出している。
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.