Shloka 1.35.5
गङ्गाजन्मवर्णनम् / The Origin of the Ganga (Tripathagā Narrative)
एवमुक्तस्तु रामेण विश्वामित्रोऽब्रवीदिदम् ।एष पन्था मयोद्दिष्टो येन यान्ति महर्षय:।।1.35.5।।
evam uktas tu rāmeṇa viśvāmitro 'bravīd idam |
eṣa panthā mayoddiṣṭo yena yānti maharṣayaḥ ||1.35.5||
Thus addressed by Rāma, Viśvāmitra replied: “This is the route I have indicated—the very path by which the great ṛṣis proceed.”
Having been addressed by Rama thus Viswamitra said, "We shall take the way the ascetics have gone before".
Dharma here is modeled as following a time-tested righteous course: the path validated by realized sages. It implies humility before tradition and guidance rather than impulsive choice.
Rāma has addressed Viśvāmitra during their forest journey; the sage responds by indicating the route traditionally taken by great seers.
Viśvāmitra’s leadership and responsibility as a guide (guru-like direction), and Rāma’s receptivity to guidance.