Shloka 3.9.22

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

Devanagari script

नित्यं शस्त्रं परिवहन्क्रमेण स तपोधनः।।3.9.22।।चकार रौद्रीं स्वां बुद्धिं त्यक्त्वा तपसि निश्चयम्।

Transliteration

nityaṃ śastraṃ parivahan krameṇa sa tapodhanaḥ | cakāra raudrīṃ svāṃ buddhiṃ tyaktvā tapasi niścayam ||

Translation

Carrying the weapon constantly, that ascetic-wealthy sage gradually abandoned his resolve in austerity and made his own mind fierce.

Context

While the sage moved about holding the weapon, he gave up the practice of penance gradually and developed a violent mindset.

Characters & Entities

• śastra (weapon)
• tapas
• buddhi (mind/intellect)

FAQs

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

External instruments (weapons) can reshape inner disposition; dharma requires guarding the mind so that duty does not degenerate into violence.

What is the narrative situation?

The story turns: continuous weapon-carrying leads the sage away from ascetic practice toward a harsh mentality.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfastness in tapas is contrasted with its loss—highlighting the virtue of mental discipline.