Shloka 2.105.17

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

Devanagari script

यथा फलानां पक्वानां नान्यत्र पतनाद्भयम्।एवं नरस्य जातस्य नान्यत्र मरणाद्भयम्।।2.105.17।।

Transliteration

sarve kṣayāntāḥ nicayāḥ patanāntā samucchrayāḥ | saṃyogā viprayogāntā maraṇāntaṃ ca jīvitam ||2.105.16||

Translation

All hoards end in depletion; all high attainments end in a fall. Every union ends in separation, and every life ends in death.

Context

The only fear of a ripened fruit is the fear of falling down (from the tree). In the same way every man who is born has no other fear except the fear of death.

FAQs

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

It urges vairāgya (dispassion) and perspective: dharma is to choose righteousness over attachment, knowing all worldly conditions are transient.

What is the narrative situation?

A consolatory discourse is being given to steady the mind in grief by pointing to the universal law of change and loss.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viveka (discernment): seeing the temporary nature of wealth, status, relationships, and even life itself.