Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 28, Shloka 25
सीतानिवर्तनप्रयत्नः
Rama’s Attempt to Dissuade Sita from Forest Exile
तदलं ते वनं गत्वा क्षमं न हि वनं तव।विमृशन्निह पश्यामि बहुदोषतरं वनम्।।2.28.25।।
tad alaṃ te vanaṃ gatvā kṣamaṃ na hi vanaṃ tava |
vimṛśann iha paśyāmi bahudoṣataraṃ vanam || 2.28.25 ||
Maka cukuplah—janganlah engkau pergi ke hutan; hidup rimba sungguh tidak layak bagimu. Setelah kupikirkan di sini, kulihat belantara itu lebih sarat lagi dengan bahaya dan cela.
It is frightening to hear the sounds of waterfalls and the roar of lions living in the mountain caves. Therefore forest life is painful (fearful).
FAQs
Dharma involves proportionate duty: one should not choose an option that multiplies risk and suffering when it is not required by righteousness.
Rāma concludes his reasoning, asserting that Sītā should not accompany him because the forest is excessively dangerous.
Responsible leadership in private life—Rāma weighs consequences and sets a boundary to protect Sītā.