Shloka 2.22.21
अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः (Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana)
कश्चिद्दैवेन सौमित्रे योद्धुमुत्सहते पुमान्।यस्य न ग्रहणं किञ्चित्कर्मणोऽन्यत्र दृश्यते।।।।
kaścid daivena saumitre yoddhum utsahate pumān |
yasya na grahaṇaṁ kiñcit karmaṇo 'nyatra dṛśyate ||
O Saumitri, what man can truly attempt to fight destiny—whose grip is not perceived directly, but is known only by the course and outcome of events, and nowhere else?
O Lakshmana! which mortal has the power to fight with destiny the grip of which can be comprehended by following its course only through its effect and nowhere else.
Dharma is humility before forces beyond immediate control, replacing impulsive vengeance with acceptance and right action within one’s duty.
Rama counsels Lakshmana not to lash out, arguing that destiny’s workings are not directly graspable and cannot be fought like a visible enemy.
Rama’s philosophical steadiness—he guides action through discernment rather than reactive anger.