Shloka 2.113.9
पादुकाप्रदानं भरतस्य निवृत्तिश्च (The Sandals Bestowed; Bharata’s Return Toward Ayodhya)
स याच्यमानो गुरुणा मया च दृढविक्रमः।राघवः परमप्रीतो वसिष्ठं वाक्यमब्रवीत्।।।।
sa yācyamāno guruṇā mayā ca dṛḍha-vikramaḥ | rāghavaḥ parama-prīto vasiṣṭhaṃ vākyam abravīt ||
Though entreated by his preceptor and by me, Rāghava—firm in resolve—yet greatly pleased, spoke these words to Vasiṣṭha.
Entreated by me and by preceptor (Vasistha), the highly pleased Rama with his firmness of mind replied to Vasistha:
Dharma here is steadfastness to a righteous decision even under persuasive requests—Rāma remains firm (dṛḍha-vikrama) while maintaining respect and goodwill toward elders.
Bharata recounts that Rāma, despite entreaties by Vasiṣṭha and Bharata, addressed Vasiṣṭha—setting up Rāma’s principled reply.
Rāma’s steadfast resolve joined with courtesy: firmness without bitterness, and reverence toward the guru.