Shloka 2.1.23
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
निभृत स्संवृताकारो गुप्तमन्त्र स्सहायवान्।अमोघक्रोधहर्षश्च त्यागसंयमकालवित्।।।।
nibhṛtaḥ saṃvṛtākāro gupta-mantraḥ sahāyavān | amogha-krodha-harṣaś ca tyāga-saṃyama-kāla-vit ||
He was modest, keeping his inner feelings veiled; he took counsel in secrecy and had loyal allies. His anger and his joy were never wasted—he knew the right time for generosity and the right time for restraint.
He (Rama) was modest and did not reveal his inner feelings. He counselled in secrecy and had good friends. Never was his anger or pleasure in vain. He knew the occasion when to sacrifce and when to exercise restraint.
Dharma is timely self-governance: emotions and power must be purposeful (amogha), guided by discretion, and expressed at the proper time as either generosity or restraint.
The text emphasizes qualities needed for governance—confidential counsel, reliable allies, and disciplined emotional expression.
Measured discretion: controlled speech and emotion, and knowing when to be firm versus when to yield.