Shloka 3.9.24

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

Devanagari script

एवमेतत्पुरा वृत्तं शस्त्रसंयोगकारणम्।।3.9.24।।अग्निसंयोगवद्धेतुश्शस्त्रसंयोग उच्यते।स्नेहाच्च बहुमानाच्च स्मारये त्वां न शिक्षये।।3.9.25।।

Transliteration

evam etat purā vṛttaṃ śastrasaṃyogakāraṇam | agnisaṃyogavad hetuḥ śastrasaṃyoga ucyate | snehāc ca bahumānāc ca smāraye tvāṃ na śikṣaye ||

Translation

Thus did this happen in the past, caused by contact with weapons. Weapon-association is said to be a cause like contact with fire. Out of affection and respect, I remind you—this is not a reprimand.

Context

Contact with the weapon has led to this in the past. Like contact with fire, it leads man to destruction. I say this out of my love and reverence for you as a reminder and not as an instruction.

Characters & Entities

• śastra-saṃyoga (weapon-contact)
• agni (fire)
• smṛti/smāraṇa (reminder)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes prudent restraint: habitual proximity to instruments of harm is spiritually dangerous, like fire—one must handle power without letting it consume one’s character.

What is the narrative situation?

The speaker concludes the exemplum and frames it as compassionate counsel to Rama—meant as a reminder rather than a harsh correction.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthful, respectful counsel (satya with snehā): speaking a hard truth gently for the listener’s welfare.