Shloka 23
राज्ञः शङ्का
प्रत्याख्यानम् (Daśaratha’s Objections to Sending Rāma) — Bala Kanda, Sarga 20
स हि वीर्यवतां वीर्यमादत्ते युधि राक्षस:।तेन चाहं न शक्तोऽस्मि संयोद्धुं तस्य वा बलै:।।।।सबलो वा मुनिश्रेष्ठ सहितो वा ममात्मजै:।
sa hi vīryavatāṁ vīryam ādatte yudhi rākṣasaḥ | tena cāhaṁ na śakto 'smi saṁyoddhuṁ tasya vā balaiḥ | sabalo vā muniśreṣṭha sahito vā mamātmajaiḥ |
因为那罗刹在战斗中会夺去勇士的威力。故而，噢诸仙之最，我无力与他或其军势交战——无论我率军而往，或甚至与我的儿子们同去。
That rakshasa pulls out warriors' prowess in the battle. O foremost of ascetics! Either with forces or with my sons it is not possible for me to engage him or his forces in battle.
FAQs
Dharma includes recognizing when ordinary force is inadequate and seeking the right means (often spiritual or divinely guided) rather than sacrificing people in unwinnable conflict.
Daśaratha stresses the extraordinary nature of the enemy, claiming even armies and princes together would be ineffective.
Responsibility in leadership—he refuses to risk mass loss for pride.