Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 38, Shloka 12
सगरस्य पुत्रलाभः
Sagara’s Boons, Progeny, and the Rise of the Sixty Thousand
एको वंशकरो वाऽस्तु बहवो वा महाबला:।कीर्तिमन्तो महोत्साहा: का वा कं वरमिच्छति।।।।
eko vaṃśa-karo vā ’stu bahavo vā mahā-balāḥ | kīrtimanto mahotsāhāḥ kā vā kaṃ varam icchati || 1.38.12 ||
彼は言った。「家系を継ぐただ一人の子を望むのか、それとも多くの子を望むのか――力強く、名声高く、大いなる志と事業を備えた子らを。あなたがたのうち、どちらがどの恩寵を選ぶのか。」
'What would you wish? One son who perpetuates the race or many possessed of mighty strength endowed with fame and perseverance?' (asked Bhrugu).
FAQs
Prioritizing rightful ends: sustaining a righteous lineage (vaṃśa) is presented as a distinct dharmic good alongside power and fame.
Bhṛgu frames the options of the boon so the queens can decide between a single dynastic heir or many powerful sons.
Prudence in choosing: the verse highlights discernment between quantity of power and continuity of rightful succession.