Shloka 4.8.8

मैत्रीप्रतिज्ञा-वैरकारणप्रश्नः (Friendship Vow and Inquiry into the Cause of Enmity)

Devanagari script

आढ्यो वापि दरिद्रो वा दुःखितस्सुखितोऽपि वा।निर्दोषो वा सदोषो वा वयस्यः परमा गतिः।।

Transliteration

āḍhyo vāpi daridro vā duḥkhitaḥ sukhito 'pi vā | nirdoṣo vā sadoṣo vā vayasyaḥ paramā gatiḥ ||

Translation

Be he wealthy or poor, distressed or happy, faultless or even at fault—a friend remains the highest refuge for a friend.

Context

'Whether rich or poor, afflicted or happy, flawless or guilty, a friend is the ultimate refuge to a friend.

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is fidelity to friendship beyond social status or circumstance; one stands by a friend in prosperity and adversity, and does not abandon them merely due to their flaws.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva articulates the unconditional nature of friendship to reassure Rāma of steadfast support.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Anukampā (compassion) and niṣṭhā (steadfast commitment), especially toward those in difficulty.