Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 14, Shloka 60
सत्यपाशः
Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise
सुमन्त्रः करुणं श्रुत्वा दृष्ट्वा दीनं च पार्थिवम्।प्रगृहीताञ्जलिः किञ्चित्तस्माद्देशादपाक्रमत्।।।।
sumantraḥ karuṇaṃ śrutvā dṛṣṭvā dīnaṃ ca pārthivam | pragṛhītāñjaliḥ kiñcit tasmād deśād apākramat ||
രാജാവിന്റെ കരുണാഭരിത വാക്കുകൾ കേട്ടും അവനെ ദീനാവസ്ഥയിൽ കണ്ടും, സുമന്ത്രൻ കൈകൂപ്പി ആ സ്ഥലത്തിൽ നിന്ന് അല്പം പിന്നോട്ട് നീങ്ങി.
Having heard the sorrowful words of the king and having seen his wretched state Sumantra with palms folded moved away a little from the place.
FAQs
Dharma as respectful service: when a superior is overwhelmed, a servant-minister shows restraint, reverence, and sensitivity rather than pressing further.
After Daśaratha’s pained reply, Sumantra respectfully withdraws a short distance.
Sumantra’s humility and empathy, expressed through folded hands and measured withdrawal.