Shloka 14
Indra–Mataṅga Saṃvāda: On the rarity and responsibilities of Brāhmaṇya (इन्द्र-मतङ्ग संवादः)
एतत् श्रुत्वा मतड़स्तु दारुणं रासभीवच: । अवतीर्य रथात् तूर्ण रासभीं प्रत्यभाषत,गधीका यह दारुण वचन सुनकर मतंग तुरंत रथसे उतर पड़ा और गधीसे इस प्रकार बोला--
etat śrutvā mataṅgas tu dāruṇaṃ rāsabhīvacaḥ | avatīrya rathāt tūrṇaṃ rāsabhīṃ pratyabhāṣata ||
Bhishma berkata: “Mendengar kata-kata keras yang diucapkan oleh keldai betina itu, Mataṅga segera turun dari keretanya dengan pantas lalu berkata kepadanya demikian—”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical force of speech: a sharp admonition can arrest pride and provoke immediate accountability. It prepares the listener for a dharmic evaluation of one’s behavior and the need to respond thoughtfully when confronted with moral criticism.
In Bhīṣma’s narration, Mataṅga hears the she-donkey’s severe words, promptly gets down from his chariot, and replies to her—marking a turning point where dialogue and moral confrontation begin.