Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 46, Shloka 4
तमसातीरवासः
Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens
अद्यायोध्या तु नगरी राजधानी पितुर्मम।सस्त्रीपुंसा गतानस्माञ्शोचिष्यति न संशयः।।2.46.4।।
adyāyodhyā tu nagarī rājadhānī pitur mama | sastrīpuṃsā gatān asmāñ śociṣyati na saṃśayaḥ ||2.46.4||
Walang alinlangan: ngayong araw, ang Ayodhyā—ang kabiserang lungsod ng aking ama—ay magdadalamhati para sa aming lumisan, babae man o lalaki.
With the intention of confusing the citizens, Rama said to the charioteer, O Sumantra, having seated in the chariot proceed speedly for a while in northerly direction and again turn back the chariot. Accomplish this feat in such a manner that the citizens will not know (where we have gone).
FAQs
Dharma here is shown as accepting personal hardship for a righteous commitment, while remaining sensitive to the suffering one’s duty may cause to society.
Rama is leaving Ayodhyā for forest exile; he anticipates the city’s grief at the departure of Rama, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa.
Empathy and responsibility—Rama recognizes the emotional cost of his dharmic decision upon the citizens.