Saptajana-āśrama Darśana and the Approach to Kiṣkindhā
Hermitage of Seven Sages; March toward Vāli’s Capital
मृदुशष्पाङ्कुराहारान्निर्भयान्वनगोचरान्।चरतस्सर्वतौऽपश्यन् स्थलीषु हरिणान् स्थितान्।।
mṛduśaṣpāṅkurāhārān nirbhayān vanagocarān | carataḥ sarvato 'paśyan sthalīṣu hariṇān sthitān ||
चारों ओर उन्होंने वन में विचरने वाले, निर्भय हरिणों को देखा—वे कोमल घास के अंकुर चर रहे थे; कुछ खुले स्थल पर खड़े थे और कुछ इधर-उधर चल रहे थे।
They observed deer feeding on tender grass on the ground around without fear, some standing and some roaming the forest;
Dharma is suggested through the image of fearlessness in a well-governed, balanced environment—nature functioning without disturbance, mirroring the ideal of a world protected by righteous order.
The narrative continues its travelogue-like description of the surroundings as the party proceeds, noting wildlife calmly feeding nearby.
Purposeful restraint: despite the beauty and calm, the travelers remain focused on their mission rather than being distracted.