Shloka 2.28.12
सीतानिवर्तनप्रयत्नः — Rama’s Attempt to Dissuade Sita from Forest Exile
अहोरात्रं च सन्तोषः कर्तव्यो नियतात्मना।फलैर्वृक्षावपतितै स्सीते दुःखमतो वनम्।।2.28.12।।
ahorātraṁ ca santoṣaḥ kartavyo niyatātmanā | phalair vṛkṣāvapatitaiḥ sīte duḥkham ato vanam ||
Day and night, with the senses restrained, one must remain content with fruits that have fallen from trees, O Sītā; therefore the forest is a life of suffering.
With the senses under control night and day, O Sita, one must be satisfied with the fruits fallen from trees. Therefore, forest life is full of suffering.
The verse teaches disciplined contentment (santoṣa) as dharma: righteous living includes restraint and acceptance of minimal sustenance without complaint.
Rāma explains that forest life demands constant self-control and simple living, discouraging Sītā from choosing hardship lightly.
Ascetic discipline—self-restraint and contentment under scarcity.