Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 62, Shloka 13
शुनश्शेफरक्षा–विश्वामित्रशापः
Sunassepha’s Rescue and Visvamitra’s Curse
मुनेस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा मधुच्छन्दादय स्सुता:।साभिमानं नरश्रेष्ठ सलीलमिदमब्रुवन्।।।।
munes tu vacanaṃ śrutvā madhucchandādayaḥ sutāḥ | sābhimānaṃ naraśreṣṭha salīlam idam abruvan ||
Setelah mendengar kata-kata sang muni, putera-puteranya—bermula dengan Madhucchandas—berkata demikian, wahai insan termulia, dengan rasa bangga dan sikap bersahaja.
"O Best of men (Rama)! in response to the words of the sage Madhuchanda and others said thus in a casual way with self-esteem.
FAQs
The verse sets up a dharmic debate: self-respect and moral agency shape how one responds to authority, even parental or ascetic authority.
The sage’s sons, led by Madhucchandas, prepare to answer his demand, and their tone is described as proud and untroubled.
Self-respect (abhimāna in the sense of dignity) and assertiveness—qualities that can support dharma when aligned with truth, or obstruct it when driven by ego.