Valmiki Ramayana 2.23.5 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 23, Shloka 5
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः
Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort
अस्थाने सम्भ्रमो यस्य जातो वै सुमहानयम्।।।।धर्मदोष प्रसङ्गेन लोकस्यानतिशङ्कया।कथंह्येतदसम्भ्रान्तस्त्वद्विधो वक्तुमर्हति।।।।यथा दैवमशौडीरं शौण्डीर क्षत्रियर्षभ।
asthāne sambhramo yasya jāto vai sumahān ayam |
dharmadoṣa-prasaṅgena lokasyānatiśaṅkayā |
kathaṃ hy etad asambhrāntas tvad-vidho vaktum arhati |
yathā daivam aśauḍīraṃ śauṇḍīra kṣatriyarṣabha |
在不当之时，你心中竟生起如此巨大的仓促与惊惶——因惧怕正法受损，又忧虑世人将如何评断。像你这般勇毅不动之人，怎能说得仿佛命运强大？其实命运并无力量啊，刹帝利之雄牛！
These arms, O Rama! which are fit for sandalwood cream, for wearing armlets, for distributing wealth and for protecting friends, will perform the worthy act of subduing those who are creating obstruction to your consecration.
FAQs
Lakshmana argues that dharma should not be reduced to passive fatalism; one must act with courage and discernment instead of surrendering to “destiny” when injustice is perceived.
Lakshmana challenges Rama’s calm acceptance of exile, criticizing the appeal to fate and public opinion.
Lakshmana’s valor and insistence on moral agency—his belief that righteous action can and should alter outcomes.
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