Valmiki Ramayana 2.23.16 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 16
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः
Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort
विक्लबो वीर्यहीनो यस्स दैवमनुवर्तते।वीरास्सम्भावितात्मानो न दैवं पर्युपासते।।।।
viklabo vīryahīno yas sa daivam anuvartate | vīrāḥ sambhāvitātmāno na daivaṃ paryupāsate ||
কেবল ভীরু ও শক্তিহীন লোকই দैবের অনুসরণ করে; আত্মসম্মানে প্রতিষ্ঠিত বীরেরা দैবের কাছে বসে থাকে না।
Those who are timid and cowardly alone depend on destiny.The valiant with ofself-respect will not accept it.
FAQs
Dharma includes courageous initiative: one should not hide behind fate when action is required to uphold justice and truth.
Lakṣmaṇa argues against accepting events as predestined, pushing Rāma toward decisive action.
Vīrya (valor) and self-respect—heroism is defined as refusing passive dependence on daiva.
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