Shloka 2.100.22

शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)

Devanagari script

कच्चित्सहस्रान्मूर्खाणामेकमिच्छसि पण्डितम्।पण्डितो ह्यर्थकृच्छ्रेषु कुर्यान्निश्रेयसं महत्।।।।

Transliteration

kaccit sahasrān mūrkhāṇām ekam icchasi paṇḍitam | paṇḍito hy artha-kṛcchreṣu kuryān niśreyasaṃ mahat ||

Translation

Do you, setting aside a thousand fools, choose even one wise man? For in times of difficulty, a wise person can secure great benefit and the highest good.

Context

I hope by setting aside a thousand fools, you prefer a single wise man. A wise man will be of immense help in difficult situations.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• paṇḍita (wise counselor)

FAQs

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

Dharma favors quality of counsel over quantity of followers: wise guidance protects truth, justice, and public welfare, especially under pressure.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma instructs Bharata on selecting advisors, stressing that wisdom outweighs numbers in governance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for wisdom (prajñā) and humility to rely on capable counsel rather than crowds.