Shloka 4.18.60

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

Devanagari script

स तमाश्वासयद्रामो वालिनं व्यक्तदर्शनम्।।सामसम्पन्नया वाचा धर्मतत्त्वार्थयुक्तया।

Transliteration

sa tam āśvāsayad rāmo vālinam vyaktadarśanam |

sāmasampannayā vācā dharmatattvārthayuktayā ||

Translation

Then Rāma comforted Vāli—now clear in understanding—with words of gentle persuasion, grounded in the truth of dharma and its meaning.

Context

Now Vali was able to see clearly. Rama consoled him with words of peace and tranquillity, truth and righteousness.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vāli

FAQs

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

Dharma is taught with compassion: even when administering justice, one should speak in a way that restores clarity, reduces agitation, and points to righteous understanding.

What is the narrative situation?

After Vāli’s admission and distress, the narration shifts to Rāma’s response—he begins to reassure and instruct Vāli using dharma-grounded reasoning.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Karunā (compassion) joined with dharmic clarity—Rāma consoles rather than humiliates a fallen opponent.