Shloka 12
अङ्गद
उपदेशः — Hanuman’s Counsel to Angada on Succession and Strategy
विगृह्यासनमप्याहुर्दुर्बलेन बलीयसः।आत्मरक्षाकरस्तस्मान्न विगृह्णीत दुर्बलः।।।।
vigṛhyāsanam apy āhur durbalena balīyasaḥ |
ātmarakṣākaraḥ tasmān na vigṛhṇīta durbalaḥ || 4.54.12 ||
Man sagt, selbst „āsana“ — wachsam und reglos zu verharren — gelte dem Schwachen gegenüber dem Stärkeren schon als eine Art Wettstreit; darum soll der Schwache keinen offenen Streit beginnen, sondern zu seinem Selbstschutz handeln.
'It is said that when a strong man fights a weak one, the weak opponent should adopt the strategy of asana (watching) for self-protection. The weak should not enter into combat with the strong.
FAQs
Dharma includes restraint and wise strategy: when outmatched, one should avoid reckless violence and choose conduct that protects life and future duty.
Aṅgada is being cautioned not to adopt a confrontational course when the opposing force (Rāma–Lakṣmaṇa/Sugrīva’s side) is stronger.
Prudence and humility—recognizing relative strength and choosing measured action rather than pride-driven conflict.