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 ||
ਰਾਜੇ ਦੇ ਕਰੁਣ ਬਚਨ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਦਿਨ ਹਾਲਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੇਖ ਕੇ, ਸੁਮੰਤ੍ਰ ਹੱਥ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਥਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਥੋੜ੍ਹਾ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਹਟ ਗਿਆ।
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.