Shloka 2.23.8
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः (Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort)
सन्ति धर्मोपधा श्लक्ष्णाः धर्मात्मन्किं न बुध्यसे।।।।तयोस्सुचरितं स्वार्थं शाठ्यात्परिजिहीर्षतोः।
vimṛjya bāṣpaṃ parisāntvya cāsakṛt sa lakṣmaṇaṃ rāghava-vaṃśa-vardhanaḥ |
uvāca pitrye vacane vyavasthitaṃ nibodha mām eṣa hi saumya satpathaḥ ||
Wiping away his tears again and again and consoling Lakshmana repeatedly, Rama—upholder of the Raghu line—said: “Understand me, gentle one. I stand firm in my father’s word; this indeed is the true path.”
Why don't you realise, O virtuous one! that there are soft means of creating hindrances in their plan without trangressing dharma. You know dharma. Why don't you understand that their acts of deception wear the guise of dharma?
Rama defines dharma as steadfast truthfulness and obedience to a rightful promise/command—honoring the father’s word even at personal cost.
After Lakshmana’s fierce proposals, Rama calms him and reaffirms his commitment to accept exile to keep Dasharatha’s word intact.
Satya-niṣṭhā (devotion to truth) and maryādā (self-restraint within ethical limits).