Shloka 2.63.7

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

Devanagari script

गुरुलाघवमर्थानामारम्भे कर्मणां फलम्।दोषं वा यो न जानाति न बाल इति होच्यते।।2.63.7।।

Transliteration

gurulāghavam arthānām ārambhe karmaṇāṃ phalam | doṣaṃ vā yo na jānāti na bāla iti hocyate || 2.63.7 ||

Translation

He is not called a mere child who, at the very outset of actions, understands the relative weight of outcomes—whether benefit or fault.

Context

He who, at the commencement of any action, does not foresee the good or evil consequences of his action in considered a child.

Characters & Entities

• Kauśalyā

FAQs

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

Dharma requires viveka (discernment): ethical maturity means anticipating consequences and evaluating harms and benefits before acting.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha generalizes a moral lesson from his past mistake, warning against acting without foresight.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and discernment (viveka): the capacity to judge outcomes at the start.