Shloka 6.2.21

युद्धकाण्डे द्वितीयः सर्गः — Sugriva’s Counsel: From Grief to Strategy (Bridge to Lanka)

Devanagari script

लङ्घनार्थंचघोरस्यसमुद्रस्यनदींपतेः ।सहास्माभिरिहोपेतस्सूक्ष्मबुद्धिर्विचारय ।।।।

Transliteration

matimān śāstravit prājñaḥ paṇḍitaś cāsi rāghava | tyajemāṃ pāpikāṃ buddhiṃ kṛtātm evārthadūṣaṇīm ||

Translation

Rāghava, you are intelligent, learned in the śāstras, wise and discerning; cast away this sinful thought—like a disciplined man rejects a mind that corrupts what is right and meaningful.

Context

"You are endowed with subtle intellect and now think of the means to cross over this dreadful looking ocean; the lord of rivers."

Characters & Entities

• Rāma (Rāghava)
• śāstra (scriptural tradition, as an authority invoked)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as inner governance: rejecting thoughts that distort right judgment, even under emotional strain.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma is being urged by an ally to abandon despair and to act in accordance with his known wisdom and training.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ātma-saṃyama (self-control): the strength to discard destructive mental states and hold to righteous purpose.