Shloka 2.77.23

और्ध्वदैहिकक्रिया-शोकविलापः (Obsequies for Daśaratha and the Brothers’ Lament)

Devanagari script

त्रीणि द्वन्द्वानि भूतेषु प्रवृत्तान्यविशेषतः।।।।तेषु चापरिहार्येषु नैवं भवितुमर्हसि।

Transliteration

trīṇi dvandvāni bhūteṣu pravṛttāny aviśeṣataḥ | teṣu cāparihāryeṣu naivaṃ bhavitum arhasi ||

Translation

Three pairs of opposites prevail among beings without exception, and they cannot be avoided; therefore it does not befit you to be overcome like this.

Context

There are three dualities - (hunger and thirst, pain and pleasure, birth and death), which are applicable to all living beings without any exception and cannot be eschewed. Therefore, it does not behove you to act in this way.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Bharata
• Dvandva (dualities of existence)

FAQs

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

Dharma is steadiness (dhairya) grounded in truth: since life is governed by unavoidable dualities, one should act rightly rather than collapse into despair.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha counsels Bharata philosophically, reminding him that suffering and loss are universal and unavoidable.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata is urged toward fortitude and self-mastery—qualities required for dharmic leadership.