Shloka 4.7.8

काकुत्स्थस्य शोकनिग्रहः—सुग्रीवसान्त्वनम् (Rama’s Grief Restrained—Sugriva’s Consolation)

Devanagari script

बाष्पमापतितं धैर्यान्निग्रहीतुं त्वमर्हसि।मर्यादां सत्त्वयुक्तानां धृतिं नोत्स्रष्टुमर्हसि।।

Transliteration

vyasane vā ’rthakṛcchre vā bhaye vā jīvitāntake | vimṛśan vai svayā buddhyā dhṛtimān nāvasīdati ||

Translation

Whether in calamity, in hardship of wealth, in fear, or even at the edge of death—one who reflects with his own understanding and possesses steadfastness does not sink into despair.

Context

'Restrain the flow of your tears. Be patient. Men (like you) endowed with equilibrium and dignity and patience ought not to leave their composure.

FAQs

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

Dharma of right-mindedness: discernment (buddhi) and steadiness (dhṛti) prevent collapse into despair across all crises.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva generalizes a moral teaching to strengthen Rāma’s resolve amid suffering.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prājñā (practical wisdom) allied with dhṛti—thinking clearly under pressure.