Shloka 2.22.22

अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः (Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana)

Devanagari script

सुखदुःखे भयक्रोधौ लाभालाभौ भवाभवौ।यच्च किञ्चित्तथाभूतं ननु दैवस्य कर्म तत्।।।।

Transliteration

sukha-duḥkhe bhaya-krodhau lābhālābhau bhavābhavau |

yac ca kiñcit tathābhūtaṁ nanu daivasya karma tat ||

Translation

Happiness and sorrow, fear and anger, gain and loss, birth and death—whatever comes to be in this manner is, surely, the working of destiny.

Context

Happiness or misery, fear or anger, gain or loss, birth or death, and all such things are surely the acts of destiny.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Daiva (destiny)

FAQs

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

Dharma is to remain truthful and steady amid life’s opposites, recognizing their instability and not letting them drive unrighteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama broadens the discussion from the immediate political crisis to the universal pattern of reversals experienced by all beings.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Equanimity (samatā): Rama frames emotions and outcomes as transient, guiding Lakshmana toward balanced conduct.