मायामृगप्रकरणम्
The Illusory Deer Episode: Ravana and Maricha at Rama’s Hermitage
पुनर्गत्वा निवृत्तश्च विचचार मृगोत्तमः।गत्वा मुहूर्तं त्वरया पुनः प्रतिनिवर्तते।।3.42.25।।
punar gatvā nivṛttaś ca vicacāra mṛgottamaḥ |
gatvā muhūrtaṃ tvarayā punaḥ pratinivartate || 3.42.25 ||
ఆ శ్రేష్ఠ మృగము మళ్లీ ముందుకు వెళ్లి తిరిగి వచ్చుచూ సంచరించెను; కొద్దిసేపు వేగంగా వెళ్లి, మరల త్వరగా వెనుదిరిగెను।
The wonderful deer moved to and fro, now disappearing and now swiftly returning.
It illustrates how temptation is engineered through repeated teasing proximity; dharma urges steadiness of mind and resistance to being drawn away from one’s duty by fascination.
The deer repeatedly approaches and withdraws to intensify interest and pursuit.
Steadfastness (dhairya): not being unsettled by enticing, fluctuating appearances.