Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 3
शरणागति
धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
मित्रभावेनसम्प्राप्तंनत्यजेयंकथञ्चन ।दोषोयद्यपितस्यस्यात्सतामेतदगर्हितम् ।।।।
mitrabhāvena samprāptaṃ na tyajeyaṃ kathañcana |
doṣo yady api tasya syāt satām etad agarhitam ||
நட்புணர்வுடன் வந்தவரை எவ்விதத்திலும் தள்ளிவிடக் கூடாது; அவனிடம் குறைகள் இருந்தாலும், நல்லோரிடத்தில் இவ்வழக்கம் நிந்தைக்குரியது அல்ல।
Although he (Vibheeshana) has defects, as he has come here with a friendly feeling, I cannot reject him. Good people are not reprehensible.
FAQs
Dharma here is to honor friendly approach and not reject one who comes in goodwill, even if imperfections are suspected; the virtuous value principled protection over suspicion.
Vibhīṣaṇa has come to Rāma seeking acceptance; Rāma argues that one who approaches in friendship should not be turned away.
Rāma’s steadfast righteousness and magnanimity—choosing ethical consistency and compassion over fear or doubt.