Shloka 4.18.15

वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)

Devanagari script

सूक्ष्मः परमदुरजेयस्सतां धर्मः प्लवङ्गम।हृदिस्थस्सर्वभूतानामात्मा वेद शुभाशुभम्।।

Transliteration

sūkṣmaḥ paramadurjeyaḥ satāṁ dharmaḥ plavaṅgama | hṛdisthaḥ sarvabhūtānām ātmā veda śubhāśubham ||

Translation

O monkey, the dharma of the righteous is subtle and exceedingly hard to discern. The Self, abiding in the hearts of all beings, knows what is auspicious and what is inauspicious.

Context

'O monkey! dharma is very subtle. It is extremely difficult to understand. Installed in the hearts of all living beings the self knows good and evil (soul is the witness of good and evil).

Characters & Entities

• Rama
• Vali
• Atman (Self)

FAQs

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

Moral truth is subtle; beyond external debate, inner conscience (ātmā as witness) discerns right and wrong.

What is the narrative situation?

Rama cautions Vali that dharma is not simplistic, and that inner moral awareness ultimately judges actions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral discernment—recognizing that ethical judgment requires depth, not mere impulse or pride.