Shloka 2.52.46

गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)

Devanagari script

असत्यमपि नैवाहं ब्रूयां वचनमीदृशम्।कथमप्रियमेवाहं ब्रूयां सत्यमिदं वचः।।2.52.46।।

Transliteration

asatyam api naivāhaṃ brūyāṃ vacanam īdṛśam | katham apriyam evāhaṃ brūyāṃ satyam idaṃ vacaḥ ||

Translation

I cannot speak words like these that are untrue; yet how can I speak this true statement, when it is so painful to hear?

Context

How can I lie to her? How can I tell her the unpleasent truth?

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• satya (truth)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The tension between satya (truth) and ahiṃsā/karuṇā (non-harm/compassion) is foregrounded: one must not lie, yet one must also recognize the harm a harsh truth can cause—requiring wise, gentle speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra reflects on the impossibility of either comforting Kauśalyā with a lie or hurting her with the blunt truth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral sensitivity—Sumantra’s commitment to truth while feeling compassion for the listener.