Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 106, Shloka 16
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
रथोद्वहनखिन्नाश्चभग्नामेरथवाजिनः ।दीनाघर्मपरिश्रान्तागावोवर्षहताइव ।।।।
rathodvahana-khinnāś ca bhagnā me ratha-vājinaḥ | dīnā gharma-pariśrāntā gāvo varṣa-hatā iva ||
我的战车之马因拖载战车而困乏；它们已然衰败——在酷热中凄苦疲惫——如同被雨击打的牛群。
"The horses of my chariot were exhausted by dragging, broken down, worn out by the hot sun, and desperate like cows lashed by rain."
FAQs
Dharma extends to care for those who serve—animals and dependents included; pushing exhausted horses is cruelty and imprudence, undermining righteous conduct and effective action.
The charioteer cites the physical condition of the horses as a concrete reason for withdrawing/turning back the chariot.
Responsible stewardship and compassion—recognizing limits and preventing needless suffering.