Shloka 2.24.23
कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma
यथा मयि तु निष्क्रान्ते पुत्रशोकेन पार्थिवः।श्रमं नावाप्नुयात्किञ्चिदप्रमत्ता तथा कुरु।।2.24.23।।
yathā mayi tu niṣkrānte putra-śokena pārthivaḥ | śramaṃ nāvāpnuyāt kiñcid apramattā tathā kuru || 2.24.23 ||
When I have departed, see to it—most carefully—that the king, from grief for his son, does not fall into even the slightest exhaustion or strain.
After my departure, you must see that the king is not overpowered by grief for his son and struggles as little as possible.
Dharma here is compassion expressed as duty: even while accepting exile, Rāma prioritizes his father’s wellbeing and asks that grief be managed through attentive care.
Rāma instructs Kauśalyā about how to support Daśaratha after Rāma leaves for the forest.
Rāma’s filial responsibility and selflessness—he worries about others’ suffering more than his own.