Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 54, Shloka 10
शबलाहरणम्
The Attempted Seizure of Sabalā (Kāmadhenu) and the Triumph of Brahmic Power
न हि तुल्यं बलं मह्यं राजा त्वद्य विशेषत:।बली राजा क्षत्रियश्च पृथिव्या: पतिरेव च।।।।
na hi tulyaṃ balaṃ mahyaṃ rājā tv adya viśeṣataḥ |
balī rājā kṣatriyaś ca pṛthivyāḥ patir eva ca || 1.54.10 ||
Tiada kekuatan padaku yang setara dengan kekuatan raja—lebih-lebih lagi pada hari ini. Raja itu perkasa; dia seorang kṣatriya, bahkan tuan bagi bumi ini.
I am no match for his strength, especially he is a king. Being king, he is a warrior, powerful and lord of the earth.
FAQs
It points to a dharmic tension: worldly power can overwhelm the weak, but power alone does not establish moral right.
During Śabalā’s seizure, her helplessness is expressed against royal force and authority.
Humility and realism about power, setting up the need for protection through righteous authority (Vasiṣṭha’s tapas and dharma).