Shloka 4.12.33
द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark (Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12)
जीवितान्तकरं घोरं सादृश्यात्तु विशङ्कितः।मूलघातो न नौ स्याद्धि द्वयोरपि कृतो मया4.12.33।।
jīvitānta-karaṁ ghoraṁ sādṛśyāt tu viśaṅkitaḥ |
mūla-ghāto na nau syād dhi dvayor api kṛto mayā || 4.12.33 ||
Because of that resemblance I was anxious: with a terrible, life-ending shot, I might have struck at the very root of our cause—harming either of you—and thus ruined the interests of both.
'I was doubtful because of your similar appearance. I thought that I should not strike at the very root of the interests of both of us. Therefore, I did not release the terrific and deadly arrow.
Dharma includes foresight: an act meant to help must not become a ‘root-strike’ that destroys the shared righteous objective through error.
Rāma explains his fear that a mistaken shot could kill Sugrīva and thereby sabotage their alliance and purpose.
Strategic wisdom—protecting the long-term good over impulsive action.