Shloka 3.61.11
सीतान्वेषणारम्भः — The Search for Sita Begins
इतीव विलपन्रामस्सीतादर्शनलालसः।।।।न ददर्श सुदुःखार्तो राघवो जनकात्मजाम्।
itīva vilapan rāmaḥ sītādarśanalālasaḥ |
na dadarśa suduḥkhārto rāghavo janakātmajām |
Thus lamenting, Rāma—longing for the sight of Sītā—yet, though pierced by grievous sorrow, did not behold Janaka’s daughter.
Deeply distressed, Rama who was anxious to see Sita, daughter of Janaka, wailed and wailed but could not see her.
Dharma persists even when results are absent: righteous effort and truthful longing continue despite immediate failure to find what is sought.
After Rāma’s outcry, the narration confirms he still cannot find Sītā.
Perseverance through suffering—Rāma’s yearning does not become apathy; it becomes continued searching.