Shloka 4.50.10
ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave
ततस्तद्बिलमासाद्य सुगन्धि दुरतिक्रमम्।।।।विस्मयव्यग्रमनसो बभूवुर्वानरर्षभाः।
tatas tad bilam āsādya sugandhi duratikramam |
vismayavyagramanaso babhūvur vānararṣabhāḥ ||
Then, upon reaching that fragrant cave—yet difficult to approach—the foremost monkeys became troubled and bewildered with astonishment.
The bulls among the monkeys were bewildered when they reached the cave which was difficult to access.
Dharma includes prudent discernment: even strong beings pause when confronted with the unknown, weighing risk before action rather than rushing blindly.
The search-party encounters an unusual cave—pleasantly fragrant but perilous to access—causing hesitation and astonishment.
Cautious intelligence (viveka): recognizing danger signs and responding thoughtfully.