Shloka 10
Lokapāla-samāgamaḥ—Arjuna Receives Astras from the World-Guardians
Book 3, Chapter 42
तथा तर्कयतस्तस्य फाल्गुनस्याथ मातलि: । संनतः प्रस्थितो भूत्वा वाक्यमर्जुनमब्रवीत्,इस प्रकार विचार करते हुए अर्जुनके सम्मुख उपस्थित हो मातलिने विनीतभावसे कहा
tathā tarkayatastasya phālgunasya atha mātaliḥ | saṃnataḥ prasthito bhūtvā vākyam arjunam abravīt ||
Habang nagmumuni-muni si Arjuna (Phālguna), lumapit sa kanya si Mātali nang may magalang na kababaang-loob. Pagkatapos yumukod at maghanda sa pagsasalita, kinausap niya si Arjuna—hudyat na ang payo at tungkulin ay dapat ihain nang may paggalang, lalo na kapag ang isang bayani’y tumitimbang ng wastong landas.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethics of counsel: when someone is engaged in serious deliberation, guidance should be offered with humility and respect. Proper demeanor (vinaya) is presented as integral to dharmic communication.
Vaiśampāyana narrates that Arjuna is thinking deeply; at that moment Mātali comes before him, bows respectfully, and begins to speak—introducing an important message or guidance for Arjuna’s next step.