Shloka 2.67.26

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 नराश्शास्त्रविशारदाः।संवदन्तोऽवतिष्ठन्ते वनेषूपवनेषु च।।।।

Transliteration

nārājake janapade narāḥ śāstraviśāradāḥ | saṃvadanto 'vatiṣṭhante vaneṣūpavaneṣu ca ||

Translation

In a land without a king, those learned in the śāstras do not remain at ease in forests or pleasure-groves, conversing and debating; even learning loses its secure refuge.

Context

In a country with no king people proficient in scriptures do not withdraw to the forests and (recreational) gardens for debates (on scriptures).

Characters & Entities

• śāstra
• vana (forest)
• upavana (grove/garden)

FAQs

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

Governance is dharmically required to protect knowledge-culture; without safety, study, dialogue, and ethical reasoning cannot thrive.

What is the narrative situation?

The counselors argue that anarchy corrodes not only wealth and defense but also scholarship and civil discourse.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Patronage and protection of learning—ensuring conditions for truthful inquiry (satya-vicāra) and dharmic debate.