Shloka 2.21.57

अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā

Devanagari script

यस्मिंस्तु सर्वे स्युरसन्निविष्टा धर्मो यत स्स्यात्तदुपक्रमेत।द्वेष्यो भवत्यर्थपरो हि लोके कामात्मता खल्वपि न प्रशस्ता।।2.21.57।।

Transliteration

yasmiṃs tu sarve syur asanniviṣṭā

dharmo yataḥ syāt tad upakrameta |

dveṣyo bhavaty arthaparo hi loke

kāmātmatā khalv api na praśastā || 2.21.57 ||

Translation

But when all three aims cannot be jointly established, one should undertake that course by which dharma is secured. For in this world, the wealth-obsessed become despised, and a life driven by desire is not praised by the wise.

Context

If actions which combine these three (dharma, artha and kama), cannot be performed (which is likely), resort to righteousness. (For) one who seeks wealth is abhorred and one who seeks fulfilment of desires does not attract admiration in this world.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• dharma
• artha
• kāma

FAQs

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

When values conflict, dharma has precedence; artha and kāma are ethically inferior if pursued as the ruling motive.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama concludes a moral argument to Lakshmana: if the three human aims cannot be harmonized, choose the path that preserves righteousness.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral prioritization—Rama’s commitment to dharma as the supreme guide in decision-making.