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 ||
Nang masambit na ang mga salitang iyon, si Cyavana na mula sa angkan ni Bhṛgu, na sa sandaling yaon ay puspos ng pinakadakilang galak, ay sumagot kay Kuśika. Ipinahihiwatig ng salaysay na ang maingat na palitan ng pananalita—ang pagsasalita at pagtanggap nito sa wastong diwa—ay nagdudulot ng kaliwanagan at mapalad na pagwawakas, at ipinapakita ang bigat na etikal ng salita at tugon sa usapang nakasandig sa 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.