Shloka 6.18.28

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

Devanagari script

सचेद्भयाद्वामोहाद्वाकामाद्वापिनरक्षति ।स्वयाशक्त्यायथासत्त्वंतत्पापंलोकगर्हितम् ।।।।

Transliteration

sa ced bhayād vā mohād vā kāmād vāpi na rakṣati | svayā śaktyā yathāsattvaṃ tat pāpaṃ loka-garhitam || 6.18.28 ||

Translation

If, out of fear or delusion—or even from desire for gain—a person does not protect a refuge-seeker to the best of his ability, that sin becomes condemned by the world.

Context

"If one does not protect, or give refuge, according to his capacity out of fear, desire (to gain) or delusion, the sin acquired by him will be censured by the world."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sugrīva
• loka (the world/society)
• śaraṇāgata (implied refuge-seeker)

FAQs

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

Neglecting the duty of protection—when one has capacity—is adharma; motives like fear, delusion, or greed do not excuse the failure.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma explains the moral consequence of refusing refuge: it incurs blame and sin recognized by society.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral responsibility—acting according to one’s ability (yathāsattvam), not according to self-serving emotions.