Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 40, Shloka 8
सगरपुत्राणां रसातलगमनम्
The Descent of Sagara’s Sons and the Wrath of Kapila
परिक्रान्ता मही सर्वा सत्त्ववन्तश्च सूदिता:।।1.40.7।।देवदानवरक्षांसि पिशाचोरगकिन्नरा:।न च पश्यामहेऽश्वं तमश्वहर्तारमेव च।।1.40.8।।किं करिष्याम भद्रं ते बुद्धिरत्र विचार्यताम्।
parikrāntā mahī sarvā sattvavantaś ca sūditāḥ | devadānavarakṣāṁsi piśācōragakinnarāḥ | na ca paśyāmahe ’śvaṁ tam aśvahartāram eva ca | kiṁ kariṣyāma bhadraṁ te buddhir atra vicāryatām ||
“Chúng con đã lùng khắp cõi đất và tiêu diệt nhiều loài hữu tình hùng mạnh—chư thiên, dānavas, rākṣasas, piśācas, nāgas và kinnaras; nhưng vẫn chẳng thấy con ngựa ấy, cũng chẳng thấy kẻ trộm ngựa. Nay phải làm sao? Cầu phúc lành đến với phụ vương—xin phụ vương suy xét kỹ và quyết định.”
'The entire earth was ransacked. Mighty devatas, demons, rakshasas, pisachas, uragas and kinnaras were killed. (Yet) we could neither see the horse nor the thief of the horse. Reflect over this matter and direct us. Prosperity to you'
FAQs
The repeated plea underscores that righteous action requires reflection and guidance; dharma is upheld not by rage but by considered judgment aligned with truth.
A duplicated textual presentation reiterates the sons’ failure and their request for Sagara’s direction.
Humility before rightful authority—seeking a decision rather than acting blindly.