Shloka 2.105.16

भरतस्य प्रार्थना—रामस्य कालधर्मोपदेशः (Bharata’s Petition and Rama’s Instruction on Time and Mortality)

Devanagari script

सर्वे क्षयान्ताः निचयाः पतनान्ता समुच्छ्रयाः।संयोगा विप्रयोगान्ता मरणान्तं च जीवितम्।।2.105.16।।

Transliteration

nātmanaḥ kāmakāro 'sti puruṣo 'yam anīśvaraḥ | itaś c'etarataś cainaṃ kṛtāntaḥ parikarṣati ||2.105.15||

Translation

A human being is not truly autonomous, nor able to act purely by personal whim; he is not independent. Fate drags him now this way, now that.

Context

All accumulations of wealth deplete at the end. Every man who attains elevated positions falls at the end. Every union culminates in separation. Every life ends in death.

Characters & Entities

• Kṛtānta (Fate/Death-personified)

FAQs

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

It teaches humility and acceptance: dharma is upheld by steady right action even when outcomes are governed by forces beyond personal control.

What is the narrative situation?

In the forest episode of Sarga 105, a close companion counsels Rāma with reflections on human limitation and the power of fate.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kṣānti (forbearance) and dhairya (fortitude): acting rightly without being consumed by grief over what cannot be controlled.