Shloka 2.100.62

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

Devanagari script

कच्चिदर्थेन वा धर्ममर्थं धर्मेण वा पुनः।उभौ वा प्रीतिलोभेन कामेन च न बाधसे।।।।

Transliteration

kaccid arthena vā dharmam arthaṃ dharmeṇa vā punaḥ | ubhau vā prītilobhena kāmena ca na bādhase ||

Translation

I trust you do not harm dharma for the sake of wealth, nor wealth for the sake of dharma—nor both—out of craving for pleasure and desire.

Context

I trust, righteousness for the sake of prosperity or prosperity for the sake of righteousness or both for the sake of sensual pleasure are not thwarted by you.

Characters & Entities

• Dharma
• Artha
• Kāma

FAQs

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

A ruler must balance artha and dharma without letting kāma (self-indulgent desire) distort either; governance must be anchored in truth and self-control.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama cautions Bharata about the classic tension among puruṣārthas, urging him not to sacrifice righteousness or prosperity due to pleasure-seeking.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-mastery—discipline that prevents desire from corrupting policy, justice, and personal conduct.