Shloka 5.41.6

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

Devanagari script

न ह्येकस्साधको हेतुस्स्वल्पस्यापीह कर्मणः।यो ह्यर्थं बहुधा वेद स समर्थोऽर्थसाधने।।।।

Transliteration

na hy ekaḥ sādhako hetuḥ svalpasyāpīha karmaṇaḥ |

yo hy arthaṃ bahudhā veda sa samartho 'rthasādhane ||

Translation

Even for a small task here, there is not just one effective means. One who understands the goal in many ways is able to accomplish it.

Context

'There are ways more than one even to perform a small work. And the capable know it.

Characters & Entities

• Hanumān

FAQs

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

Dharma values wise adaptability: righteous ends should be pursued through appropriate means, and the discerning person knows multiple lawful ways to achieve the entrusted good.

What is the narrative situation?

Hanumān reflects on strategy—recognizing that missions can be achieved through more than one method, and he must choose what suits Laṅkā’s conditions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Resourcefulness (yukti) grounded in purpose: understanding the goal deeply enough to select among several effective approaches.