Shloka 4.50.17
ऋक्षबिलप्रवेशः — Entry into the Rikshabilam Cave
इत्युक्त्वा तद्बिलं सर्वे विविशुस्तिमिरावृतम्।।।।अचन्द्रसूर्यं हरयो ददृशू रोमहर्षणम्।
niśāmya tasmāt siṃhāṃś ca tāṃs tāṃś ca mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ |
praviṣṭā hariśārdūlā bilaṃ timirasaṃvṛtam ||
Hearing from within the roars of lions and the cries of many beasts and birds, the tiger-like monkeys entered that cave, veiled in darkness.
On hearing him, the monkeys entered the cave full of darkness. There was no light of the Moon or the Sun. It was a horripilating experience.
Dharma includes brave perseverance under threat: they do not retreat merely due to frightening sounds when the mission requires investigation.
Inside the cave are ominous animal sounds; despite this, the leading monkeys proceed into the darkness.
Fear-managed courage—advancing while fully aware of danger.