Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 55
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
अहं हि ते लक्ष्मण नित्यमेव जानामि भक्तिं च पराक्रमं च।मम त्वभिप्रायमसन्निरीक्ष्य मात्रा सहाभ्यर्दसि मां सुदुःखम्।।2.21.55।।
ahaṃ hi te lakṣmaṇa nityam eva
jānāmi bhaktiṃ ca parākramaṃ ca |
mama tv abhiprāyam asannirīkṣya
mātrā sahābhyardasi māṃ suduḥkham || 2.21.55 ||
Lakshmana, I have always known your devotion and your valor; yet, without truly examining my intent, you—together with my mother—are causing me intense pain.
I know your devotion (to me) and your valour, O Lakshmana! But now, without understanding my intention you are causing me and mother severe pain and torment.
FAQs
Dharma requires understanding intention (abhiprāya) before reacting; even devotion can become harmful if it ignores the righteous purpose.
Rama addresses Lakshmana, acknowledging his loyalty but correcting his emotionally driven resistance to Rama’s decision.
Discernment (viveka)—Rama calls for thoughtful inquiry rather than impulsive opposition.