Shloka 2.21.61
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
सा माऽनुमन्यस्व वनं व्रजन्तंकुरुष्व न स्स्वस्त्ययनानि देवि।यथा समाप्ते पुनराव्रजेयं यथा हि सत्येन पुनर्ययातिः।।2.21.61।।
guruś ca rājā ca pitā ca vṛddhaḥ krodhāt praharṣād yadi vā 'pi kāmāt | yad vyādiśet kāryam avekṣya dharmaṁ kas tan na kuryād anṛśaṁsavṛttiḥ || 2.21.58 ||
Whatever act a teacher, a king, a father, or an elder may command—whether from anger, delight, or even desire—one should carry it out, regarding it in light of dharma. Who would not do so, unless he were cruel-hearted?
Grant me permission O mother, to depart for the forest. Bless me and perform ceremonies for my well-being so that I shall return (to the city) after completion (of my exile) like Yayati (who came back to heaven) with the strength of truth.
Dharma here is disciplined obedience to legitimate authority figures (guru, king, father, elder), treating their instruction as a binding moral duty rather than a matter of personal preference.
Rāma explains to his mother why he must accept and enact the command that results in his forest exile, grounding his decision in dharma.
Rāma’s steadfast adherence to duty (dharma-niṣṭhā) and refusal to act from resentment, even under painful circumstances.