Shloka 27
सीताया धर्मोपदेशः—शस्त्रसंयोगदोषकथा
Sita’s Counsel on Dharma and the Peril of Weapon-Association
क्षत्रियाणां तु वीराणां वनेषु निरतात्मनाम्।।3.9.27।।धनुषा कार्यमेतावदार्तानां त्वभिरक्षणम्।
kṣatriyāṇāṃ tu vīrāṇāṃ vaneṣu niratātmanām | dhanuṣā kāryam etāvad ārtānāṃ tv abhirakṣaṇam ||
Pour les vaillants kṣatriya, demeurant dans les forêts avec maîtrise de soi, telle est l’unique fonction de l’arc : protéger ceux qui souffrent.
While holding a bow, you should not have the intention to kill demons residing in Dandaka with no animosity against you. O valiant one ! I do not desire that any one should be killed without incurring any offence.
FAQs
The legitimate use of force is protective, not aggressive: the warrior’s dharma in the forest is to safeguard those in fear and distress.
After warning against unprovoked killing, the speaker defines the positive scope of Rama’s weapon-bearing: defense of vulnerable ascetics and the afflicted.
Compassionate guardianship—strength exercised as protection aligned with maryādā (righteous limits).