Shloka 2.67.23

अयोध्यायां शोक-रात्रिः तथा अराजक-राष्ट्रस्य नीतिविचारः (The Night of Lamentation in Ayodhya and the Political Ethics of a Kingless Realm)

Devanagari script

नाराजके जनपदे चरत्येकचरो वशी।भावयन्नात्मनाऽत्मानं यत्र सायंगृहो मुनिः।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade caraty ekacaro vaśī | bhāvayann ātmanātmānaṃ yatra sāyaṃgṛho muniḥ ||

Translation

In a land without a king, even the self-restrained sage who usually wanders alone, absorbed in inward contemplation, cannot roam freely nor find restful shelter by evening.

Context

In a country where there is no king, an ascetic who (normally) moves alone, self-controlled and contemplating on the higher self no longer wanders or rests in the inn.

Characters & Entities

• muni (sage)
• sāyaṃgṛha (lodging)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma is to secure the realm so that even renunciants can pursue spiritual practice without fear; governance protects both worldly and spiritual life.

What is the narrative situation?

The council continues enumerating signs of disorder, stressing that insecurity affects not only traders and soldiers but also peaceful ascetics.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate guardianship—creating conditions where the vulnerable and the peaceful can live and move unharmed.