Shloka 3.66.16

लक्ष्मणोपदेशः — Lakshmana Consoles Rama on Fate, Fortitude, and Right Action

Devanagari script

अदृष्टगुणदोषाणामध्रुवाणां तु कर्मणाम्।नान्तरेण क्रियां तेषां फलमिष्टं प्रवर्तते।।3.66.16।।

Transliteration

adṛṣṭaguṇadoṣāṇām adhruvāṇāṃ tu karmaṇām |

nāntareṇa kriyāṃ teṣāṃ phalam iṣṭaṃ pravartate || 3.66.16 ||

Translation

For deeds done without recognizing merit and fault, and performed with an unsteady will, the desired result does not arise without proper, directed effort. Right ends require right understanding and right action.

Context

Good results are not expected from the actions of persons who cannot distinguish between their virtues and vices, from those who are unstable in their deeds.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Karma (action)
• Phala (result)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma is disciplined, informed action: good outcomes require discernment of right/wrong and steady effort, not confused or wavering conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmana pushes Rama from paralysis to purposeful action, stressing that only deliberate effort can lead to recovering Sita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast initiative (utsāha) guided by discernment: acting decisively with clarity rather than fluctuating in grief.