सागरप्रशमनम् / The Pacification of the Ocean and the Building of Nala’s Bridge
तमब्रवीत्तदारामःउद्यतोहिनदीपते ।अमोघोऽयंमहाबाणःकस्मिन् देशेनिपात्यताम् ।।।।
tam abravīt tadā rāmaḥ udyato hi nadīpate | amogho ’yaṃ mahābāṇaḥ kasmin deśe nipātyatām ||
Então Rāma lhe disse, já pronto: «Ó senhor dos rios (Oceano), visto que esta grande flecha foi posta em movimento e é infalível, em que região deve ela cair?»
Then Rama said, "O abode of Varuna, listen to me. In which location should I allow this unfailing mighty arrow to descend?"
Even when power is justified, dharma demands restraint and proper targeting. Rāma seeks a lawful outlet so force does not become indiscriminate harm.
Rāma has prepared a devastating, unfailing arrow against the Ocean; once the Ocean yields, Rāma asks where the arrow should be redirected.
Measured justice: Rāma controls anger and converts threat into accountable action by asking for a suitable target.