Shloka 6.18.16

शरणागति-धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तुरामेणसुग्रीवस्सहलक्ष्मणः ।उत्थायेदंमहाप्राज्ञःप्रणतोवाक्यमब्रवीत् ।।।।

Transliteration

na sarve bhrātaras tāta bhavanti bharatopamāḥ | madvithā vā api tu putrāḥ suhṛdo na bhavadvidhāḥ ||

Translation

Dear one, not all brothers are like Bharata; not all sons are like me; and not all friends are like you.

Context

When Rama had spoken that way, sagacious Sugriva along with Lakshmana got up and saluted him and spoke these words to Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• Bharata

FAQs

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

Realism in moral judgment: dharma acknowledges that virtue is rare; one must not assume everyone will match exemplary standards.

What is the narrative situation?

While debating whether to trust Vibhīṣaṇa, Rāma reflects that goodness like Bharata’s or loyal friendship like Sugrīva’s is uncommon.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Gratitude and discernment—Rāma honors Bharata and Sugrīva as ideals while maintaining sober judgment about others.