Shloka 2.100.71

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

Devanagari script

मन्त्रिभिस्त्वं यथोद्दिष्टैश्चतुर्भिस्त्रिभिरेव वा।कच्चित्समस्तैर्व्यस्तैश्च मन्त्रं मन्त्रयसे मिथः।।।।

Transliteration

sa yadā puṣpito bhūtvā phalāni na vidarśayet |

sa tāṃ nānubhavet prītiṃ yasya hetoḥ praropitaḥ ||

Translation

When that tree, though blossoming, yields no fruit, the one who planted it gains no joy from the purpose for which it was planted.

Context

I trust you deliberate in secrecy on your counsel with three or four counsellors, together and separately with each one, as laid down in sacred texts.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• vṛkṣa (tree) (simile object)

FAQs

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

Dharma as fulfillment of rightful ends: nurturing and preparation should culminate in responsible action; otherwise the caretaker’s intention is left unfulfilled.

What is the narrative situation?

A speaker uses a simile—blossoms without fruit—to persuade Rāma that refusing the expected role (kingship) nullifies the labor and hopes invested in him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gratitude and responsibility: honoring those who raised and prepared one by bringing their aims to completion.