Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 31, Shloka 18
लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः
Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons
एवमुक्तस्तु रामेण लक्ष्मण श्श्लक्ष्णया गिरा।प्रत्युवाच तदा रामं वाक्यज्ञो वाक्यकोविदम्।।।।
evam uktaḥ tu rāmeṇa lakṣmaṇaḥ ślakṣṇayā girā | pratyuvāca tadā rāmaṃ vākyajño vākyakovidam ||
言葉に巧みで言意を見抜くラーマにこのように語りかけられ、弁舌に通じたラクシュマナは、そのとき柔らかな言葉でラーマに答えた。
Lakshmana who had already reached there heard the conversation (between Sita and Rama). His eyes brimming with tears, he was unable to bear the grief. He held the feet of his brother tightly and said to the illustrious Sita and Rama of great resolve:
FAQs
Dharma of speech: even under emotional strain, one should respond with restraint, clarity, and gentleness—truthful communication without harshness.
After Rāma speaks, Lakṣmaṇa prepares to answer, setting the tone for his request to accompany Rāma and serve him in exile.
Vāk-saṃyama (discipline in speech) and respectful address—Lakṣmaṇa’s loyalty is expressed through controlled, courteous words.