Shloka 2.63.9

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

Devanagari script

अविज्ञाय फलं यो हि कर्म त्वेवानुधावति।स शोचेत्फलवेलायां यथा किंशुकसेचकः।।2.63.9।।

Transliteration

avijñāya phalaṃ yo hi karma tv evānudhāvati | sa śocet phalavelāyāṃ yathā kiṃśukasecakaḥ || 2.63.9 ||

Translation

Truly, one who rushes into action without understanding its fruit will lament when the result ripens—like a man who waters the kiṃśuka tree expecting fruit.

Context

Without foreseeing the fruits of his action, he who runs after action only will regret at the time of fruition like the one who waters the palasa tree.

Characters & Entities

• Kiṃśuka (Palāśa)

FAQs

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

Ethical action requires informed intention: acting blindly invites regret when consequences appear; dharma is paired with discernment about outcomes.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha continues teaching Kauśalyā that unexamined actions mature into suffering, illustrated through a farming metaphor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Viveka (wise discrimination) before acting.