Shloka 2.112.18
पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)
लक्ष्मीश्चन्द्रादपेयाद्वा हिमवान्वा हिमं त्यजेत्।अतीयात्सागरो वेलां न प्रतिज्ञामहं पितुः।।2.112.18।।
amātyaiś ca suhṛdbhiś ca buddhimadbhiś ca mantribhiḥ | sarvakāryāṇi sammantrya sumahanty api kāraya || 2.112.17 ||
Consulting with ministers, friends, and wise counsellors, deliberate on every undertaking and have it carried out—even those that appear exceedingly difficult.
The Moon might lose its splendour, snow might abandon the Himavat mountain, the ocean might overstep its shores, but I shall not forsake the promise made to my father.
Rājadharma requires deliberation and counsel; ethical power is exercised through collective wisdom rather than solitary will.
Rāma instructs Bharata on how to administer affairs effectively—through consultation with capable advisors.
Prudence and humility in governance: the ruler listens, deliberates, and then acts decisively.