Shloka 3.9.15
सीताया धर्मोपदेशः—शस्त्रसंयोगदोषकथा (Sita’s Counsel on Dharma and the Peril of Weapon-Association)
त्वं हि बाणधनुष्पाणिर्भ्रात्रा सह वनं गतः।।3.9.15।।दृष्ट्वा वनचरान्सर्वान्कच्चित्कुर्याश्शरव्ययम्।
kṣatriyāṇām api dhanur hutāśasyendhanāni ca ||3.9.16||
samīpatas sthitaṃ tejo balam ucchrayate bhṛśam |
Even for kṣatriyas, a bow is like fuel for fire: when it is close at hand, it greatly heightens one’s ardor and strength.
Of course, you will go to the forest with your brother, holding the bow and arrows. Release the arrows when you see the forest-rangers.
Dharma emphasizes mastery over impulses: proximity to power (weapons) can inflame aggression, so a righteous person must practice restraint.
Sītā explains why weapons can be morally dangerous—like fuel feeding fire—setting up her warning against needless conflict.
The ideal of kṣatriya self-governance: true strength includes control, not merely the capacity to strike.