Shloka 2.38.16
अयोध्याकाण्डे अष्टत्रिंशः सर्गः — Sita in Bark Garments; Public Outcry and Dasaratha’s Lament
मया विहीनां वरद प्रपन्नां शोकसागरम्।अदृष्टपूर्वव्यसनां भूयस्सम्मन्तुमर्हसि।।।।
mayā vihīnāṃ varada prapannāṃ śokasāgaram | adṛṣṭapūrvavyasanāṃ bhūyaḥ sammantum arhasi ||
“O giver of boons, separated from me and unaccustomed to hardship, she will be cast into an unprecedented ocean of grief. Therefore you ought to care for her all the more.”
O bestower of boons, separated from me and unaccustomed to suffering, she will be plunged into an unforeseen ocean of sorrow. You should pay her greater attention.
Dharma here is expressed as compassionate responsibility: when harm is unavoidable due to a vow or royal duty, one must increase care toward the vulnerable—especially a mother unprepared for suffering.
Rāma, preparing for exile, appeals to his father Daśaratha to look after his mother (likely Kausalyā) because separation from Rāma will overwhelm her with grief.
Rāma’s filial sensitivity and empathy: even while accepting exile in obedience to truth and duty, he safeguards others’ wellbeing through counsel and concern.