यदा वै मनुतेऽथ विजानाति नामत्वाविजानाति मत्वैव विजानाति मतिस्त्वेवविजिज्ञासितव्येति मतिं भगवो विजि-ज्ञास इति ॥ १ ॥
In plain words
When a person reflects, then he comes to know; without reflection he does not know, but through reflection alone he understands. Reflection is indeed what must be inquired into. 'O revered one, I wish to know reflection,' he says.
Close to the Sanskrit
When indeed one reflects, then he knows; without reflecting one does not know, having reflected indeed one knows. Reflection alone is to be inquired into. 'Reflection, O revered one, I desire to know,' thus.