Shloka 4.8.9

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

Devanagari script

धनत्यागस्सुखत्यागो देहत्यागोऽपि वा पुनः।वयस्यार्थे प्रवर्तन्ते स्नेहं दृष्टवा तथाविधम्।।

Transliteration

dhanatyāgaḥ sukhatyāgo dehatyāgo 'pi vā punaḥ | vayasyārthe pravartante snehaṃ dṛṣṭvā tathāvidham ||

Translation

Seeing such friendship, people act for a friend’s sake—ready to relinquish wealth, forsake comforts, and again even stake their very life.

Context

'One will not hesitate to sacrifice wealth or happiness or even life for the sake of a friend like you.'

Characters & Entities

• Sugrīva
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is self-sacrifice grounded in true loyalty: when friendship is genuine, one prioritizes the friend’s welfare over personal gain, comfort, and even survival.

What is the narrative situation?

Sugrīva underscores the depth of commitment expected in their alliance, presenting friendship as a dharmic bond requiring sacrifice.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tyāga (renunciation/sacrifice) and satya-niṣṭhā (truthful steadfastness) in relationships.