Shloka 2.1.24
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
दृढभक्ति स्स्थिरप्रज्ञो नासद्ग्राही न दुर्वचाः।निस्तन्द्रिरप्रमत्तश्च स्वदोषपरदोषवित्।।।।
dṛḍha-bhaktiḥ sthira-prajño nāsad-grāhī na durvacāḥ | nistandrir apramattaś ca sva-doṣa-para-doṣa-vit ||
Firm in devotion and steady in understanding, he accepted nothing ignoble and spoke no harsh words. Free from laziness and never careless, he knew his own faults as well as those of others.
He was firm in his devotion and steady in intellect. He accepted nothing ignoble nor used bad words. He was not swayed by emotions or prone to idleness. He knew his faults as well as of others.
Dharma is inner vigilance: devotion and steady intelligence express themselves as ethical speech, refusal of ignoble choices, and honest self-assessment.
The narration highlights Rāma’s personal discipline—traits that make him trustworthy as a moral exemplar and ruler.
Self-control in speech and conduct, paired with reflective awareness of both self and others.