Shloka 29
लङ्कादाह-प्रचोदनं तथा वानर-राक्षस-समरारम्भः
The Burning of Lanka and the Outbreak of Battle
अश्वंमुक्तंगजोदृष्टवाक्वचिद्भीतोऽपसर्पति ।भीतोभीतंगजंदृष्टवाक्वचिदश्वोनिवर्तते ।।।।
aśvaṃ muktaṃ gajo dṛṣṭvā kvacid bhīto 'pasarpati |
bhīto bhītaṃ gajaṃ dṛṣṭvā kvacid aśvo nivartate ||
ある場所では、放たれた馬が象を見て恐怖のあまり逃げ出し、またある場所では、すでに怯えていた象が馬を見て引き返していった。
Some horses that were released, went in different directions afraid of elephants. Some elephants seeing horses ran away in fear.
FAQs
Dharma provides inner steadiness; when fear dominates, even natural hierarchies and trained instincts collapse. The verse illustrates how adharma-driven conflict produces pervasive insecurity.
As fire and panic spread, horses and elephants—released—scatter in mutual fear, worsening confusion in the city.
Courage (dhairya) is emphasized by contrast: the scene of fear highlights the need for steadiness and disciplined action in crisis.