Shloka 4.12.23
द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark (Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12)
तं प्रविष्टं वनं दृष्ट्वा वाली शापभयार्दितः।मुक्तो ह्यसि त्वमित्युक्त्वा स निवृत्तो महाद्युतिः4.12.23।।
taṃ praviṣṭaṃ vanaṃ dṛṣṭvā vālī śāpa-bhayārditaḥ | mukto hy asi tvam ity uktvā sa nivṛtto mahādyutiḥ || 4.12.23 ||
Seeing him enter that grove, Vāli—tormented by fear of the sage’s curse—said, “You have indeed escaped,” and the radiant one turned back.
Effulgent Vali saw Sugriva entering the (prohibited) grove and turned back due to the fear of the curse (of sage Matanga) saying, 'You have escaped'.
Even the powerful are checked by dharmic limits—fear of transgressing a sage’s sanctified boundary restrains aggression.
Vāli stops pursuing Sugrīva upon seeing him enter the prohibited/sacred grove and retreats.
Recognition of higher moral authority (respect for ascetic power and sacred injunctions), even if motivated by fear.