Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 46, Shloka 20
तमसातीरवासः
Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens
यथैते नियमं पौराः कुर्वन्त्यस्मन्निवर्तने। अपि प्राणान्न्यसिष्यन्ति न तु त्यक्ष्यन्ति निश्चयम्।।2.46.20।।
yathaite niyamaṁ paurāḥ kurvanty asman-nivartane | api prāṇān nyasiṣyanti na tu tyakṣyanti niścayam ||2.46.20||
Melihat bagaimana para warga telah mengikrarkan tekad tentang kembalinya kita, tampaknya mereka rela menyerahkan nyawa sekalipun, namun tidak akan melepaskan ketetapan hati mereka.
On seeing the people's resolve to take us back, it appears they are prepared to give up their lives rather than abandon their determination.
FAQs
Dharma as unwavering resolve (niścaya) rooted in loyalty: the citizens’ steadfastness becomes a moral force, reminding leaders to honor truth (satya) and the bond of trust with their people.
Rama reflects to Lakshmana on the citizens’ intense determination to bring him back, recognizing the depth of their commitment.
Collective fidelity: the citizens’ steadfast devotion and willingness to sacrifice for what they believe is righteous.