मायामृगदर्शनम्
The Vision of the Illusory Deer
आर्यपुत्राभिरामोऽसौ मृगो हरति मे मनः।आनयैनं महाबाहो क्रीडार्थं नो भविष्यति।।।।
āryaputrābhirāmo 'sau mṛgo harati me manaḥ | ānayainaṃ mahābāho krīḍārthaṃ no bhaviṣyati ||
高貴なる御方よ、あの愛らしい鹿は私の心を奪いました。大いなる腕のあなたよ、連れて来てください――私たちの遊び相手にいたしましょう。
O prince! O long-armed one, this deer has captivated my mind. Fetch him for me.This will be our playmate.
The verse illustrates how desire (kāma/longing) can pressure dharmic decision-making; dharma requires balancing affection with prudent judgment and responsibility.
Sītā, enchanted by the deer, asks Rāma to capture and bring it back so it may be kept for their enjoyment.
Sītā’s affectionate spontaneity is visible, but the episode mainly underscores the need for discernment when desire arises.