Shloka 18
अभिज्ञानवृत्तान्त-प्रत्यायनम्
Token of Recognition and the Crow–Brahmāstra Episode
एवमस्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठस्सत्त्ववान् शीलवानपि।।।।किमर्थमस्त्रं रक्षस्सु न योजयति राघवः।
evam astravidāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ sattvavān śīlavān api | kim artham astraṃ rakṣaḥsu na yojayati rāghavaḥ |
Rāghava vốn là bậc tối thượng trong hàng người tinh thông binh khí, lại dũng mãnh và đức hạnh; cớ sao Ngài không đem vũ khí ấy hướng vào bọn rākṣasa?
'You are efficient, foremost among wielders of weapons, truthful and powerful. Why are you not directing weapons against the demons?
FAQs
When adharma threatens the innocent, dharma can require decisive protection; restraint is virtuous, but delay that enables injustice becomes ethically questionable.
Sītā presses the point that Rāma has the capacity and righteousness to act, so the continued rākṣasa oppression (and her captivity) should end.
Rāma’s capability and disciplined conduct are acknowledged; the verse urges that such virtues must culminate in timely protection.