Shloka 3.43.32
मायामृगदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Illusory Deer)
तत्सारमखिलं नृ़णां धनं निचयवर्धनम्।मनसा चिन्तितं सर्वं यथा शुक्रस्य लक्ष्मण।।।।
dhanāni vyavasāyena vicīyante mahāvane |
dhātavo vividhāś cāpi maṇiratnasuvarṇinaḥ || 3.43.31 ||
In the great forest, wealth is gathered through steadfast effort—various minerals too, including gems and gold.
O Lakshmana! the essence of forest wealth is mineral wealth, which helps the growth of the treasury. It is conceived mentally as in the case of Venus.
Wealth (artha) should be pursued through rightful effort, not through deception or harm. Dharma frames artha as legitimate when gained responsibly and with self-control.
Rāma broadens the discussion from hunting to the idea that forests contain resources obtained through labor, placing the forest within a larger moral-economic landscape.
Industry and disciplined effort—valuing what is earned through perseverance rather than impulsive acquisition.