Shloka 336
कण्वोपदेशः—नश्वरबलविवेकः तथा मातलिगुणकेश्याः आख्यानारम्भः
Kaṇva’s Counsel on Impermanent Power; Opening of the Mātali–Guṇakeśī Narrative
ब्रह्मण्यो भव धर्मात्मा मा च स्मैवं पुनः कृथा: । “राजन्! शरण चाहनेवालोंको शरण देनेवाले भगवान् नरने उनसे कहा--“आजसे तुम ब्राह्मणहितैषी और धर्मात्मा बनो। फिर कभी ऐसा साहस न करना
brahmaṇyo bhava dharmātmā mā ca smaivaṁ punaḥ kṛthāḥ |
Rama dijo: «Desde hoy, sé protector de los brahmanes y hombre de alma justa. Y no vuelvas a atreverte a obrar de este modo.»
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that ethical authority rests on dharma: one should become brahmaṇya (a supporter and protector of Brahmins and sacred law) and dharmātmā (inwardly righteous), and must not repeat wrongful conduct. Power is to be governed by restraint and reverence for the moral-religious order.
A senior figure (Rāma) issues a direct admonition to another person, commanding a reform of character—aligning oneself with dharma and ceasing a previously committed offense—framing the correction in terms of responsibility toward Brahmins and righteous conduct.