Shloka 5.54.24
लङ्कादाहः — The Burning of Lanka (Catuḥpañcāśaḥ Sargaḥ)
संजज्ञे तुमुलश्शब्दो राक्षसानां प्रधावताम्।स्वगृहस्य परित्राणे भग्नोत्साहोर्जितश्रियाम्।।।।नूनमेषोऽग्निरायातः कपिरूपेण हा इति।
kinnu khalv avaśiṣṭaṃ me kartavyam iha sāmpratam ||
yad eṣāṃ rakṣasāṃ bhūyaḥ santāpajananaṃ bhavet |
“What, indeed, remains for me to do here now—what could again bring further torment upon these rākṣasas?”
Unable to protect their rich houses, and thoroughly disappointed the demons said, 'Alas, the Fire-god came in the form of a vanara'! A tumultuous sound arose.
Responsible agency: before acting, one should reflect on what is truly necessary and purposeful—dharma includes deliberation, not impulsive harm.
Amid the destruction in Laṅkā, Hanumān pauses to consider what further action remains that would most effectively pressure the rākṣasas.
Buddhi (discernment) and kartavya-bodha (sense of duty): Hanumān evaluates the next step in service of Rāma’s mission.