Shloka 4.1.116

पम्पा-तीर-वर्णनम् / Rama’s Lament at Pampa and the Approach to Rishyamuka

Devanagari script

स्मृत्वा वियोगजं दुःखं त्यज स्नेहं प्रिये जने।अतिस्नेहपरिष्वङ्गाद्वर्तिरार्द्रापि दह्यते।।।।

Transliteration

smṛtvā viyogajaṃ duḥkhaṃ tyaja snehaṃ priye jane | ati-sneha-pariṣvaṅgād vartir ārdrāpi dahyate ||

Translation

“Recognize that remembrance of the beloved intensifies the sorrow born of separation; therefore restrain this clinging attachment to the dear one. For even a wick, though wet, is burned when oil soaks it and embraces it.”

Context

'Remembrance of loved ones causes sorrow. Even a wet cotton wick gets burnt by embracing excessive oil. Hence abandon grief.

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Lakshmana
• Sita (implied as the beloved cause of separation)

FAQs

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

Dharma prioritizes purposeful action over paralyzing attachment: love is honored, but clinging grief must be checked so one can fulfill responsibility.

What is the narrative situation?

Lakshmana explains to Rama how obsessive remembrance can worsen separation-sorrow and urges him to redirect emotion into action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical discernment (viveka): transforming emotion into disciplined resolve rather than indulgent lamentation.