शरणागति
धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
श्रूयतेहिकपोतेनशत्रुश्शरणमागतः ।अर्चितश्चयथान्यायंस्वैश्चमांसैर्निमन्त्रितः ।।।।
śrūyate hi kapotena śatruḥ śaraṇam āgataḥ | arcitaś ca yathānyāyaṃ svaiś ca māṃsair nimantritaḥ || 6.18.23 ||
Pois se ouve dizer que uma pomba, quando um inimigo veio buscar refúgio, honrou-o segundo o rito devido e até lhe ofereceu a própria carne.
"You have heard of the (story of a) dove that offered his own flesh to an enemy who came to seek protection according to tradition (of hospitality)."
Śaraṇāgati-dharma: one who seeks refuge is to be honored and protected, even if formerly an enemy.
Rāma introduces a traditional moral exemplar (the dove) to justify a policy of protecting the one who comes seeking refuge.
Compassion joined with unwavering adherence to righteous custom.