Shloka 6.83.27
त्र्यशीतितमः सर्गः (Sarga 83) — Hanumān Reports Sītā’s ‘Slaying’; Rāma Collapses; Lakṣmaṇa’s Counter-Discourse on Dharma and Artha
बलस्ययदिचेद्धर्मोगुणभूतःपराक्रमे ।धर्ममुत्सृज्यवर्तस्वयथाधर्मेतथाबले ।।6.83.27।।
balasya yadi ced dharmo guṇa-bhūtaḥ parākrame | dharmam utsṛjya vartasva yathā-dharme tathā bale ||6.83.27||
If, in deeds of valor, dharma is but a subordinate quality of power, then abandon dharma and conduct yourself by power—just as you once conducted yourself by dharma.
"Giving up predominance of virtue, seek courage and submit to might for succeeding in action. Seek might just as you have sought dharma earlier for success."
A provocative claim: if dharma is ineffective in the arena of action and courage, one might be tempted to replace moral restraint with sheer power—highlighting the tension between ideals and expediency.
The speaker presses Rāma toward a power-based strategy, reflecting impatience with prolonged suffering and perceived moral disadvantage.
Pragmatic urgency (though ethically risky), prioritizing effectiveness in crisis.