Shloka 2.30.33
सीताया वनानुगमननिश्चयः — Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest
अस्वाधीनं कथं दैवं प्रकारैरभिराध्यते।स्वाधीनं समतिक्रम्य मातरं पितरं गुरुम्।।2.30.33।।
asvādhīnaṃ kathaṃ daivaṃ prakārair abhirādhyate |
svādhīnaṃ samatikramya mātaraṃ pitaraṃ gurum ||2.30.33||
If one oversteps mother, father, and teacher—who stand within immediate reach—how could one, by any means, truly worship the Divine that lies beyond direct reach?
Mother, father and preceptor are present before us. By overstepping them, how can we, in various ways, worship God who is beyond reach (not visible)?
Dharma begins with honoring those immediately responsible for one’s life and moral formation—mother, father, and teacher. Reverence to the unseen Divine is incomplete if these visible duties are neglected.
Rama is speaking to Sita while reflecting on dharma and right conduct as he prepares to follow his father’s command and depart toward forest life.
Rama’s humility and moral clarity: he prioritizes concrete duties (service to parents and guru) as the foundation of spiritual life.