Shloka 5.22.4

रावणस्य तर्जनं सीताया धर्मोक्तिः (Ravana’s Threats and Sita’s Dharma-Centered Reply)

Devanagari script

वामः कामो मनुष्याणां यस्मिन् किल निबध्यते।जने तस्मिंस्त्वनुक्रोशः स्नेहश्च किल जायते।।।।

Transliteration

vāmaḥ kāmo manuṣyāṇāṃ yasmin kila nibadhyate |

jane tasmiṃs tv anukrośaḥ snehaś ca kila jāyate ||

Translation

Love in human beings is indeed partial: it fastens itself upon that person in whom compassion and affection are seen to arise.

Context

"Love is partial. It gets bound to those in whomsoever compassion and friendship is generated, even though they are punishable.

Characters & Entities

• Dhānyamālinī
• Rāvaṇa (implied)

FAQs

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

The verse frames an ethical psychology: genuine attachment should align with compassion and caring (anukrośa, sneha). Desire divorced from these becomes unstable and morally suspect.

What is the narrative situation?

Dhānyamālinī begins advising Rāvaṇa, appealing to how love naturally inclines toward those who reciprocate compassion and affection.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue of discernment (viveka) in relationships—valuing compassion and mutual regard over coercive desire.