Shloka 2.28.18
सीतानिवर्तनप्रयत्नः — Rama’s Attempt to Dissuade Sita from Forest Exile
अतीव वातास्तिमिरं बुभुक्षा चात्र नित्यशः।भयानि च महान्त्यत्र ततो दुःखतरं वनम्।।2.28.18।।
yathā-labdhena kartavyaḥ santoṣas tena maithili |
yatāhārair vana-carair nityaṃ duḥkham ato vanam ||2.28.17||
O Maithilī, those who dwell in the forest, living on scant fare, must be content with whatever is obtained; therefore life in the forest is a constant hardship.
There is extreme wind and darkness, hunger and fear. Therefore forest (life) is difficult.
Dharma is inner restraint: contentment with limited means (santoṣa) and disciplined consumption (yatāhāra) are essential to righteous living in hardship.
Rāma highlights the daily scarcity of food in the forest to caution Sītā against the realities of exile.
Simplicity and self-control—accepting what comes without complaint.