Shloka 6.18.7

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

Devanagari script

वानराधिपतेर्वाक्यंश्रुत्वासर्वानुदीक्ष्यच ।।6.18.6।।ईषदुत्स्मयमानस्तुलक्ष्मणंपुण्यलक्षणम् ।इतिहोवाचकाकुत्स्थोवाक्यंसत्यपराक्रमः ।।6.18.7।।

Transliteration

anadhītya ca śāstrāṇi vṛddhān anupasevya ca | na śakyam īdṛśaṃ vaktuṃ yad uvāca harīśvaraḥ ||

Translation

What the Lord of the Vānaras has spoken in such a manner cannot be uttered by one who has not studied the śāstras and has not served the elders.

Context

On hearing the words of the king of Vanaras, Rama of Kakuthsa dynasty and of truthful valour looked at all and threw a smile slightly at meritorious Lakshmana and spoke these words.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (implied as speaker by context)
• Sugrīva (Harīśvara)
• Śāstra
• Elders (Vṛddha)

FAQs

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

Dharma is cultivated wisdom: right counsel arises from learning (śāstra) and humility/service to elders—ethical judgment is trained, not accidental.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma responds to Sugrīva’s counsel by acknowledging the depth of his worldly and ethical discernment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sugrīva’s maturity in counsel (as recognized by Rāma), and Rāma’s fairness in honoring good advice even when he may differ in conclusion.