Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 44, Shloka 25
सुमित्रोपदेशः
Sumitra’s Consolation to Kausalya
त्वया शेषो जनश्चैव समाश्वास्यो यदाऽनघे।किमिदानीमिदं देवि करोषि हृदि विक्लबम्।।।।
tvayā śeṣo janaś caiva samāśvāsyo yadā ’naghe | kim idānīm idaṃ devi karoṣi hṛdi viklabam ||
咎なき御方、王妃よ。残された人々を慰めるべきはあなたなのに、なぜ今、ご自身の心を恐れで揺るがせるのですか。
O sinless lady, O queen! when you are overcome by fear, how can you consoleothers?
FAQs
Dharma here is steadiness in adversity: one who bears responsibility for others should first stabilize one’s own mind, so that one can truly console and guide the community.
Sumitrā speaks to the grieving Kausalyā, urging her not to collapse inwardly, since others in the palace depend on her composure after Rāma’s departure.
Courage and leadership through self-control—emotional discipline as a prerequisite for supporting others.