Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 28
शरणागति
धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
सचेद्भयाद्वामोहाद्वाकामाद्वापिनरक्षति ।स्वयाशक्त्यायथासत्त्वंतत्पापंलोकगर्हितम् ।।।।
sa ced bhayād vā mohād vā kāmād vāpi na rakṣati | svayā śaktyā yathāsattvaṃ tat pāpaṃ loka-garhitam || 6.18.28 ||
若因恐惧、迷惑，或贪求利益而不尽己力护佑前来求庇护者，此罪为世人所谴责、所鄙弃。
"If one does not protect, or give refuge, according to his capacity out of fear, desire (to gain) or delusion, the sin acquired by him will be censured by the world."
FAQs
Neglecting the duty of protection—when one has capacity—is adharma; motives like fear, delusion, or greed do not excuse the failure.
Rāma explains the moral consequence of refusing refuge: it incurs blame and sin recognized by society.
Moral responsibility—acting according to one’s ability (yathāsattvam), not according to self-serving emotions.