Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 11
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
भरतस्याथ पक्ष्यो वा यो वाऽस्य हितमिच्छति।सर्वानेतान्वधिष्यामि मृदुर्हि परिभूयते।।2.21.11।।
bharatas yātha pakṣyo vā yo vā 'sya hitam icchati |
sarvān etān vadhiṣyāmi mṛdur hi paribhūyate || 2.21.11 ||
भरतस्य पक्ष्यो वा यो वाऽस्य हितमिच्छति—एतान् सर्वान् अहं वधिष्यामि; मृदुर्हि परिभूयते।
I shall slay all of them who support Bharata and those who seek his prosperity. A gentleman is treated with disgrace indeed.
FAQs
It raises a dharmic problem: the claim that gentleness invites contempt can tempt one toward violence, but the Ramayana’s dharma ultimately refines strength through self-restraint, justice, and truth rather than indiscriminate killing.
Lakshmana, inflamed by the perceived threat to Rama’s rightful position, vows to eliminate Bharata’s supporters and anyone promoting Bharata’s interests.
Uncompromising loyalty and a fierce sense of honor—paired with a lack of restraint that the narrative later balances through Rama’s commitment to dharma and satya.