Shloka 26
सूर्य–कर्णोपदेशः
Sūrya’s Counsel to Karṇa on Kīrti and the Kuṇḍala
केचिन्नौभिव्यवस्यन्ति केचिच्च विविधै: प्लवै: । नेति रामस्तु तान् सर्वान् सान्त्वयन् प्रत्यभाषत,कुछ वानर बड़ी-बड़ी नावोंके द्वारा समुद्रके पार जानेका निश्चय प्रकट करने लगे। कुछने नाव-डोंगी आदि विविध साधनोंद्वारा पार जानेकी बात बतायी। परंतु श्रीरामचन्द्रजीने उनकी यह सलाह माननेसे इनकार कर दिया और सबको सान्त्वना देते हुए कहा--
kecin nau-bhiḥ vyavasyanti kecic ca vividhaiḥ plavaiḥ | neti rāmas tu tān sarvān sāntvayan pratyabhāṣata ||
Some resolved to cross the ocean by great boats; others proposed rafts and various floating devices. But Rāma declined all those suggestions; consoling them all, he addressed them in reassuring words.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Sound leadership does not merely accept the first workable proposal; it weighs suitability and steadiness. Rāma’s refusal, paired with consolation, models disciplined decision-making—maintaining morale while guiding the group toward a more appropriate method.
Rāma’s followers propose practical means—boats and various rafts—to cross the ocean. Rāma rejects these plans and, while reassuring everyone, prepares to direct the effort along a different course.