Shloka 3.9.12

सीताया धर्मोपदेशः—शस्त्रसंयोगदोषकथा (Sita’s Counsel on Dharma and the Peril of Weapon-Association)

Devanagari script

ततस्त्वां प्रस्थितं दृष्ट्वा मम चिन्ताकुलं मनः।।3.9.12।।त्वद्वृत्तं चिन्तयन्त्या वै भवेन्निश्श्रेयसं हितम्।

Transliteration

tatas tvāṃ prasthitaṃ dṛṣṭvā mama cintākulaṃ manaḥ ||3.9.12||

tvadvṛttaṃ cintayantyā vai bhaven niḥśreyasaṃ hitam |

Translation

Therefore, seeing you set forth, my mind is shaken with anxious care; as I ponder your course, I seek what is truly beneficial—your highest good.

Context

I am, therefore, worried in my mind when I see you here and think of your well-being. I wish your ultimate good. The next two lines appear, more or less, a repetition. So omitted : Editor

Characters & Entities

• Sītā
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma includes responsible deliberation (vicāra) aimed at niḥśreyasa—seeking the highest welfare rather than impulsive action.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rāma prepares to go onward, Sītā expresses anxiety and frames her forthcoming argument as concern for his true good.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sītā’s discernment and protective love: she does not merely fear, but evaluates what course best serves dharma and long-term good.