Shloka 2
लाङ्गूलदाह-पर्यटनम्
The Burning Tail and the Parade through Laṅkā
सम्यगुक्तं हि भवता दूतवध्या विगर्हिता।अवश्यं तु वधादन्यः क्रियतामस्य निग्रहः।।5.53.2।।
samyag uktaṃ hi bhavatā dūtavadhyā vigarhitā | avaśyaṃ tu vadhād anyaḥ kriyatām asya nigrahaḥ ||5.53.2||
あなたの言葉はまことに正しい。使者を殺すことは非難される。だが必ずや彼を制し罰すべきである――ただし死以外の刑とせよ。
"Indeed, you have spoken very well.Killing of emissary is censured (in sastras). Surely we will impose suitable punishment other than killing.
FAQs
Even in conflict, dharma sets limits: an envoy is protected by convention and śāstric ethics, so punishment must not violate that protected status.
In Laṅkā’s court, after Hanumān is captured as a messenger, the discussion turns to what penalty is permissible; the decision is to punish without executing him.
Respect for maryādā (ethical boundaries of war and diplomacy), expressed as adherence to the rule that a dūta should not be slain.