Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 61, Shloka 21
मधुवनप्रवेशः — The Vanaras Enter Madhuvana
Honey-Grove Episode
उवाच कांश्चित्परुषाणि धृष्टमसक्तमन्यांश्च तलैर्जघान।समेत्य कैश्चित्कलहं चकार तथैव साम्नोपजगाम कांश्चित्।।।।
uvāca kāṃścit paruṣāṇi dhṛṣṭam asaktam anyāṃś ca talair jaghāna |
sametya kaiścit kalahaṃ cakāra tathaiva sāmn opajagāma kāṃścit ||
Kepada sebagian ia melontarkan kata-kata keras dengan berani; sebagian lain ia cegah dan bungkamkan; dan sebagian ia pukul dengan telapak tangannya. Dengan beberapa ia mendatangi dan bertengkar langsung, sedangkan kepada yang lain ia mendekat dengan kata-kata damai dan bujukan.
He spoke harshly to some, to others he asked not to talk, some he slapped on the hind part with the palm of his hand. To some he spoke pleasantly and with some he quarrelled. And to others he spoke in a conciliatory manner.
FAQs
Dharma in governance uses proportionate means: correction may require firmness, restraint, and also conciliation. The verse reflects layered methods of restoring order.
Dadhimukha attempts multiple tactics—rebuke, physical restraint, argument, and gentle persuasion—to stop the drunken monkeys.
Practical leadership: adapting one’s response to the situation while aiming at protection and order.