Shloka 6.83.21

त्र्यशीतितमः सर्गः (Sarga 83) — Hanumān Reports Sītā’s ‘Slaying’; Rāma Collapses; Lakṣmaṇa’s Counter-Discourse on Dharma and Artha

Devanagari script

यस्मादर्थाविवर्धन्तेयेष्वधर्मःप्रतिष्ठितः ।क्लिश्यन्तेधर्मशीलाश्चतस्मादेतौनिरर्थकौ ।।6.83.21।।

Transliteration

yasmād arthā vivardhante yeṣv adharmaḥ pratiṣṭhitaḥ |

kliśyante dharma-śīlāś ca tasmād etau nirarthakau ||6.83.21||

Translation

For we see wealth and advantage increase among those in whom adharma is established, while those devoted to dharma suffer; therefore these two claims appear purposeless.

Context

"Since those rooted in unrighteous develop and are wealthy, and those who follow dharma suffer both these are meaningless."

FAQs

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

It articulates the classic ethical challenge: empirical life seems to reward adharma and burden dharma, tempting one to dismiss moral law as ineffective.

What is the narrative situation?

A philosophical objection is raised during wartime stress, using social observation (wicked prosper, righteous suffer) to undermine dharma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The needed virtue is steadfastness in dharma despite discouraging appearances—an implicit call for moral resilience.