Shloka 2.22.23
अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः (Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana)
ऋषयोऽप्युग्रतपसो दैवेनाभिप्रपीडिताः।उत्सृज्य नियमांस्तीव्रान्भ्रश्यन्ते काममन्युभिः।।।।
ṛṣayo 'py ugra-tapaso daivenābhiprapīḍitāḥ |
utsṛjya niyamāṁs tīvrān bhraśyante kāma-manyubhiḥ ||
Even sages of fierce austerities, when oppressed by destiny, abandon their severe disciplines and slip, overpowered by desire and anger.
Even rishis with severe austerities are tormented by destiny and are swerved from their observances because of anger and passion.
Dharma requires vigilance over inner enemies (kāma, krodha); even the disciplined can fall, so one must not justify anger as ‘righteous’ merely because one feels wronged.
Rama warns Lakshmana that rage can derail even the best, using sages as an example to cool Lakshmana’s indignation.
Self-mastery: Rama underscores the danger of uncontrolled passion and the need to protect one’s vows and duties.