Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 59
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
स वै न शक्नोमि पितुः प्रतिज्ञामिमामकर्तुं सकलां यथावत्।स ह्यावयोस्तात गुरुर्नियोगेदेव्याश्च भर्ता स गति स्सधर्मः।।2.21.59।।
sa vai na śaknomi pituḥ pratijñām imām akartuṁ sakalāṁ yathāvat | sa hy āvayos tāta guruḥ niyoge devyāś ca bhartā sa gatiḥ sa dharmaḥ || 2.21.59 ||
Wahrlich, mein Lieber, ich kann dieses Versprechen meines Vaters nicht unerfüllt lassen, sondern muss es ganz und genau so vollziehen, wie es gelobt wurde. Denn im Gebieten ist er unser Lehrer; und für die Königin (meine Mutter) ist er ihr Gemahl — ihre Zuflucht und ihr Dharma.
I will not forsake this great glory (of fulfilling my father's promise) for the sake of the kingdom. In this transient existence O mother, I do not wish to acquire this insignificant earth unrighteously.
FAQs
Satya (truthfulness) expressed as fidelity to a vow, and dharma expressed as obedience to the father-king who is also a ‘guru’ in rightful command.
Rāma answers Lakṣmaṇa’s agitation by stating he cannot violate Daśaratha’s pledged promise and clarifying Daśaratha’s dharmic authority over the family.
Rāma’s vow-keeping integrity and his principled understanding of relational duties (son to father, subject to king, family to household head).