Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 74, Shloka 25
भरतस्य कैकेयी-गर्हा तथा सुरभि-दृष्टान्तः
Bharata’s Reproach of Kaikeyi and the Surabhi Exemplum
ममकायात्प्रसूतौ हि दुःखितौ भारपीडितौ।यौ दृष्ट्वा परितप्येऽहं नास्ति पुत्रसमः प्रियः।।।।
mama kāyāt prasūtau hi duḥkhitau bhārapīḍitau | yau dṛṣṭvā paritapye ’haṁ nāsti putrasamaḥ priyaḥ ||
Mula sa aking sariling katawan sila isinilang; sila’y nagdurusa at dinadaganan ng bigat. Sa pagkakita ko sa kanila, ako’y nag-aalab sa dalamhati—sapagkat walang hihigit sa anak sa pagiging mahal.
'These bulls were born from my body and they are oppressed by the burden. Having seen their anguish, I am extremely grieved. There is none so dear as a son'.
FAQs
Dharma recognizes the sanctity of familial bonds and the duty of care; the suffering of one’s dependents becomes a moral claim upon the conscience.
Surabhi intensifies her explanation: the bulls are her own offspring, and their forced labor causes her acute grief.
Vātsalya (parental affection) as a virtue that motivates protection and compassion.