Shloka 5.2.40

लङ्कादर्शनं तथा रात्रौ सूक्ष्मरूपेण प्रवेशोपायचिन्तनम् (Vision of Lanka and Strategy for Nocturnal Entry)

Devanagari script

अर्थानर्थान्तरे बुद्धिर्निश्चितापि न शोभते।घातयन्ति हि कार्याणि दूताः पण्डितमानिनः।।।।

Transliteration

arthānarthāntare buddhir niścitāpi na śobhate | ghātayanti hi kāryāṇi dūtāḥ paṇḍitamāninaḥ ||

Translation

Even a settled intention does not shine when the mind wavers between the beneficial and the harmful; for messengers who fancy themselves wise often ruin the very work they are meant to accomplish.

Context

'Even though messengers are not intelligent, they think themselves clever and capable. They act foolishly, swerve from proper course of action and fail in their effort.

Characters & Entities

• Hanuman
• Messenger (dūta)

FAQs

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

Dharma of a messenger (dūta-dharma): humility, clarity, and adherence to the mission; self-important cleverness that ignores consequences becomes adharma by harming the entrusted cause.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān cautions himself against indecision and against the common failing of agents who overestimate themselves and thereby jeopardize the mission.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility with discernment: he aims to act effectively, not theatrically, keeping benefit vs. harm clearly separated.