Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 22, Shloka 24
अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः
Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana
असङ्कल्पितमेवेह यदकस्मात्प्रवर्तते।निवर्त्यारम्भमारब्धं ननु दैवस्य कर्म तत्।।।।
asaṅkalpitam eveha yad akasmāt pravartate |
nivartyārambham ārabdhaṁ nanu daivasya karma tat ||
When an unimagined obstacle suddenly arises here and halts an undertaking already begun, that too is surely the work of destiny.
Any unanticipated and sudden hindrance to the action undertaken shall be deemed to be the act of destiny.
FAQs
Dharma is to respond to reversals without adharma: when plans collapse unexpectedly, one should adjust conduct with restraint rather than commit wrongdoing out of frustration.
Rama interprets the abrupt stoppage of his coronation preparations as a destined reversal, preparing Lakshmana to accept the change.
Non-attachment to outcomes—Rama distinguishes duty from personal ambition and remains steady when success is blocked.