Shloka 2.45.26
अयोध्यावासिजनानुरागः — The People and Brahmins Follow Rama toward Exile
न पुनर्निश्चयः कार्यस्त्वद्गतौ सुकृता मतिः।त्वयि धर्मव्यपेक्षे तु किं स्याद्धर्मपथे स्थितम्।।।।
na punar niścayaḥ kāryas tvadgatau sukṛtā matiḥ | tvayi dharmavyapekṣe tu kiṁ syād dharmapathe sthitam ||
No second decision should be made—our resolve to go with you is firmly set. But if you yourself disregard dharma here, then what will remain standing on the path of righteousness?
We are not going to revoke our decision. We have made up our minds to follow you (into the forest). If you have no regard for this decision, then who will adhere to the path of righteousness?
Dharma depends on exemplary leadership: when the righteous model (Rama) upholds dharma, society stands firm; if he abandons it, the very standard of righteousness collapses.
The Brahmins insist they will accompany Rama and argue that Rama’s own commitment to dharma must include honoring their plea, since he is the moral center for others.
Moral responsibility of the ideal person: the duty to sustain dharma not only personally but as a guiding norm for the community.