Shloka 5.41.3

प्रमदावनविध्वंसः | The Devastation of the Pleasure-Garden (Ashoka Vatika)

Devanagari script

न साम रक्षस्सु गुणाय कल्पते न दानमर्थोपचितेषु युज्यते।न भेदसाध्या बलदर्पिता जनाः पराक्रमस्त्वेव ममेह रोचते।।।।

Transliteration

na sāma rakṣassu guṇāya kalpate na dānam arthopaciteṣu yujyate |

na bhedasādhyā baladarpitā janāḥ parākramas tv eva mam eha rocate ||

Translation

Conciliation brings no benefit with demons; and gifts are not fitting for those already swollen with wealth. People intoxicated by strength do not yield to division either—here, I find only valour to be the effective course.

Context

'With demons, negotiation is of no use. They are wealthy, they need no gifts. Proud of their stregth, the demons will not yield to dissension. I think only by using power it can be done.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān
• Rākṣasas (demons)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is pragmatic righteousness: when peaceful means (conciliation, gifts, division) cannot restrain adharma-driven aggressors, protective force used with right intent becomes the appropriate instrument.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān, in Laṅkā after locating Sītā, reflects on how to proceed; he concludes that the rākṣasas will not be swayed by diplomacy and that strength will be required.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Strategic discernment (viveka) joined with courage (vīrya): Hanumān judges which means are effective and accepts the duty of force when needed.