Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 22, Shloka 24
अभिषेक-निवृत्ति-उपदेशः
Withdrawal of the Coronation: Rama’s Counsel to Lakshmana
असङ्कल्पितमेवेह यदकस्मात्प्रवर्तते।निवर्त्यारम्भमारब्धं ननु दैवस्य कर्म तत्।।।।
asaṅkalpitam eveha yad akasmāt pravartate |
nivartyārambham ārabdhaṁ nanu daivasya karma tat ||
ここで思いもよらぬ障りが忽然と起こり、すでに始めた事業を止めるなら、それもまた確かに天命のはたらきである。
Any unanticipated and sudden hindrance to the action undertaken shall be deemed to be the act of destiny.
FAQs
Dharma is to respond to reversals without adharma: when plans collapse unexpectedly, one should adjust conduct with restraint rather than commit wrongdoing out of frustration.
Rama interprets the abrupt stoppage of his coronation preparations as a destined reversal, preparing Lakshmana to accept the change.
Non-attachment to outcomes—Rama distinguishes duty from personal ambition and remains steady when success is blocked.