Shloka 4.64.11

अङ्गदोपदेशः समुद्रदर्शन-विषादश्च (Angada’s Counsel and the Vanaras’ Despondency at the Ocean)

Devanagari script

न विषादे मनः कार्यं विषादो दोषवत्तमः।विषादो हन्ति पुरुषं बालं क्रुद्ध इवोरगः।।।।

Transliteration

na viṣāde manaḥ kāryaṃ viṣādo doṣavattamaḥ |

viṣādo hanti puruṣaṃ bālaṃ kruddha ivoragaḥ ||

Translation

Let not the mind fall into despair; despair is the gravest fault. Despair destroys a man, as an angry serpent kills a child.

Context

'Do not be despondent. It is the biggest flaw. It destroys a person like an angry serpent killing a young child.

Characters & Entities

• Aṅgada
• vānaras

FAQs

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

Dharma requires steadiness of mind; surrendering to despair becomes a moral and practical failure because it prevents righteous action.

What is the narrative situation?

Aṅgada addresses dejected vānaras and warns them that despair is ruinous, urging them to regain composure for their mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fortitude (dhairya): maintaining inner stability under pressure so duty can be carried out.