Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20, Shloka 20
राज्ञः शङ्का
प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20
इत्युक्तो मुनिना तेन राजोवाच मुनिं तदा।न हि शक्तोऽस्मि सङ्ग्रामे स्थातुं तस्य दुरात्मन:।।।।
ity ukto muninā tena rājovāca muniṁ tadā | na hi śakto 'smi saṅgrāme sthātuṁ tasya durātmanaḥ |
فلما خاطبه ذلك الناسك، أجابه الملك حينئذٍ: «إني لا أستطيع أن أثبت في القتال أمام ذلك الخبيث النية».
Informed in this manner by sage Viswamitra, king Dasaratha addressed the sage, saying, "I am not competent enough to stand before those evil-minded rakshasas in the batlle".
FAQs
Dharma includes truthful self-assessment (satya about one’s capacity); reckless overconfidence in leadership can endanger subjects and sacred duties.
After hearing Viśvāmitra’s request, Daśaratha states his inability to confront the chief rākṣasa power on the battlefield.
Honesty and humility—Daśaratha admits limitations instead of posturing.