सरमा-सीता संवादः
Saramā Consoles Sītā; Preparations in Laṅkā
साहितत्रकृतामित्रंसीतयारक्ष्यमाणया ।रक्षन्तीरावणादिष्टासानुक्रोशादृढव्रता ।।।।
sā hitatra kṛtāmitraṃ sītayā rakṣyamāṇayā |
rakṣantī rāvaṇādiṣṭā sānukrośā dṛḍhavratā ||
Di sana, wanita yang teguh dan berbelas kasih itu—yang diperintah oleh Rāvaṇa untuk berjaga—sambil terus melindungi dan melayani, menjalin persahabatan dengan Sītā.
"Look at the sheen of weapons, the leather shields, spreading forth different pleasing colours, the brightness of which resembles the burning of forest fire arisen and spread in summer. And here are chariots, horses and elephants decked with ornaments following Ravana, as well as the powerful Rakshasa army full of joy."
Compassion and humane conduct (dayā) can be upheld even within coercive duties; one may remain firm in responsibility while choosing kindness.
In Laṅkā, Sītā is under guard; a woman assigned by Rāvaṇa to watch her nevertheless becomes friendly and compassionate toward her.
Compassion joined with steadfastness—maintaining one’s duty while acting with empathy toward the suffering.