Shloka 2.63.30

दशरथस्य शोकानुचिन्तनं शब्धवेधि-दोषस्मरणं च (Daśaratha’s grief, karmic reflection, and the remembered ‘śabdavedhī’ misdeed)

Devanagari script

ऋषेर्हिन्यस्तदण्डस्य वने वन्येन जीवतः।कथं नु शस्रेण वधो मद्विधस्य विधीयते।।2.63.30।।

Transliteration

ṛṣer hi nyasta-daṇḍasya vane vanyena jīvataḥ |

kathaṃ nu śastreṇa vadho mad-vidhasya vidhīyate || 2.63.30 ||

Translation

For I am an ascetic who has laid aside violence, living in the forest on forest fare—how, indeed, can the killing of one like me be carried out with a weapon?

Context

'Renouncing violence I live the life of an ascetic on forest produce. Why should any one kill me with a weapon?

Characters & Entities

• ṛṣi/tapasvin (ascetic)
• forest (vana)
• weapon (śastra)

FAQs

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

Those who renounce violence deserve protection; dharma requires safeguarding the harmless, not endangering them through force or negligence.

What is the narrative situation?

The victim identifies himself as non-violent and questions the moral logic of being killed with a weapon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ahimsa (non-harming) and austerity—his life is portrayed as disciplined and innocent.