Shloka 5.30.38

हनुमता सीतासंवादोपायचिन्ता — Hanuman’s Deliberation on How to Address Sita

Devanagari script

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

Transliteration

arthānarthāntare buddhiniścitāpi na śobhate | ghātayanti hi kāryāṇi dūtāḥ paṇḍitamāninaḥ ||

Translation

Even a mind that has resolved does not appear well if it wavers between gain and ruin; for messengers who fancy themselves learned often destroy the very mission.

Context

"Swinging from a course of action or an action leading to calamity is not proper.Messengers who assume that they are scholars (blinded by ego) destroy their mission.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Dūta (messenger)

FAQs

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

Dharma demands steadiness and humility: ego-driven ‘cleverness’ and wavering judgment can sabotage a righteous objective.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān cautions himself against indecision and against acting like a self-important envoy while preparing to communicate with Sītā in enemy territory.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility paired with firm resolve—intelligence must serve the mission, not the ego.