Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 12, Shloka 59
द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse
Ayodhya Kanda 12
विरमैतेन भावेन त्वमेतेनानृतेन वा।।।।यदि भर्तुः प्रियं कार्यं लोकस्य भरतस्य च।
viramaitena bhāvena tvam etenānṛtena vā |
yadi bhartuḥ priyaṃ kāryaṃ lokasya bharatasya ca ||
若你真愿成就对夫君、对百姓、也对婆罗多有益之事，就当止息此念——或这虚妄之途。
If you wish to do good to your husband, to the world and also to Bharata, refrain from this illusory thought.
FAQs
True welfare (priya/hita) must align with dharma and satya; actions rooted in falsehood harm not only individuals but also the social order (loka) and even the intended beneficiary (Bharata).
Daśaratha urges Kaikeyī to abandon the plan for Bharata’s coronation and Rāma’s exile, warning of its harmful consequences.
Moral discernment: Daśaratha appeals to the broader good (husband, people, Bharata) rather than narrow desire.