Shloka 3
शरणागति
धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
मित्रभावेनसम्प्राप्तंनत्यजेयंकथञ्चन ।दोषोयद्यपितस्यस्यात्सतामेतदगर्हितम् ।।।।
mitrabhāvena samprāptaṃ na tyajeyaṃ kathañcana |
doṣo yady api tasya syāt satām etad agarhitam ||
Wer in freundschaftlicher Gesinnung kommt, darf keinesfalls zurückgewiesen werden. Selbst wenn er Fehler hat, gilt ein solches Verhalten unter den Guten nicht als tadelnswert.
Although he (Vibheeshana) has defects, as he has come here with a friendly feeling, I cannot reject him. Good people are not reprehensible.
FAQs
Dharma here is to honor friendly approach and not reject one who comes in goodwill, even if imperfections are suspected; the virtuous value principled protection over suspicion.
Vibhīṣaṇa has come to Rāma seeking acceptance; Rāma argues that one who approaches in friendship should not be turned away.
Rāma’s steadfast righteousness and magnanimity—choosing ethical consistency and compassion over fear or doubt.