Shloka 2.109.9
सत्यधर्मप्रतिपादनम् (Rama’s Defense of Truth and Dharma in Reply to Jabali)
कामवृत्तस्त्वयं लोकः कृत्स्न स्समुपवर्तते।यद्वृत्ता स्सन्ति राजानस्तद्वृत्ता स्सन्ति हि प्रजाः।।2.109.9।।
kāmavṛttas tv ayaṃ lokaḥ kṛtsnaḥ samupavartate | yad-vṛttāḥ santi rājānas tad-vṛttāḥ santi hi prajāḥ || 2.109.9 ||
This whole world moves by its own impulses; and truly, the subjects take on the very conduct their kings display.
The entire world conducts itself as per its own sweet will. Therefore the subjects will follow the same path as their kings.
Rājadharma: the ruler’s conduct shapes the moral life of society; therefore a king must restrain desire and embody dharma so that the people are guided toward right action.
A reflective statement in Ayodhyākāṇḍa emphasizing governance: the speaker explains that public behavior mirrors royal behavior, underscoring the stakes of a king’s choices.
Self-restraint and exemplary leadership—living by dharma so that one becomes a trustworthy model for others.