Shloka 2.116.23
तपस्विनाम् औत्सुक्यं राक्षसत्रासश्च (Ascetics’ Anxiety and the Fear of Rakshasas)
इत्युक्तवन्तं स्तंराम राजपुत्रस्तपस्विनम्।न शशाकोत्तरैर्वाक्यैरवरोद्धुं समुत्सुकम्।।2.116.23।।
ity uktavantaṁ taṁ rāma rājaputras tapasvinam |
na śaśākottarair vākyair avaroddhuṁ samutsukam ||2.116.23||
Having spoken thus, the ascetic was eager to depart, and Prince Rāma could not restrain him with words in reply.
It was not possible for prince Rama to hold back by mere words that ascetic who was saying like this and was anxious to quit the hermitage.
Dharma includes honoring the agency of the wise; when an ascetic decides for communal welfare, righteous conduct avoids coercion and accepts limits of debate.
Despite Rāma’s response, the ascetic leader remains intent on leaving, and Rāma cannot stop him through speech alone.
Restraint and respect: Rāma does not force the ascetic to stay, reflecting humility before spiritual elders.