Shloka 1.65.2
विश्वामित्रस्य ब्राह्मर्षित्वप्राप्तिः — Viśvāmitra Attains Brahmarṣi Status
मौनं वर्षसहस्रस्य कृत्वा व्रतमनुत्तमम्।चकाराप्रतिमं राम तप: परमदुष्करम्।।।।
maunaṃ varṣasahasrasya kṛtvā vratam anuttamam | cakāra apratimaṃ rāma tapaḥ paramaduṣkaram ||
Having undertaken the unsurpassed vow of silence for a thousand years, O Rāma, he performed unparalleled tapas—exceedingly difficult to accomplish.
Having observed a unique vow of silence for a thousand years, O Rama! he practised unprecedented and extremely difficult austerities.
Dharma here is self-mastery: steadfast restraint (mauna) and disciplined tapas undertaken for a higher purpose, showing that inner control is a foundation of spiritual authority.
Viśvāmitra is recounting the severity of the ascetic practices that were performed as part of the long journey toward attaining brahminhood and Brahmarṣi status.
Perseverance and self-control—enduring long, difficult austerities without wavering.