Shloka 2.100.39

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

Devanagari script

धर्मशास्त्रेषु मुख्येषु विद्यमानेषु दुर्बुधाः।बुद्धिमान्वीक्षिकीं प्राप्य निरर्थं प्रवदन्ति ते।।।।

Transliteration

dharmaśāstreṣu mukhyeṣu vidyamāneṣu durbudhāḥ | buddhim ānvīkṣikīṃ prāpya nirarthaṃ pravadanti te ||

Translation

Though the foremost dharma-śāstras are at hand, those of shallow mind, taking up mere dialectical logic, speak only what is futile.

Context

While principal scriptures do exist, these superficial fellows take resort to the science of logic based on abstract reasoning, and indulge in futile talks.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• dharmaśāstra
• ānvikṣikī

FAQs

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

Reasoning should serve dharma and truth, not replace them with empty disputation; wisdom is measured by ethical clarity and benefit, not argument alone.

What is the narrative situation?

Continuing his counsel, Rāma contrasts authoritative dharma-guidance with futile sophistry, warning Bharata against hollow debates.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya-buddhi (truth-oriented intelligence): using intellect to uphold righteous conduct rather than vanity.