Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 14
सागरप्रतीक्षा-क्रोधप्रादुर्भावः
Rama’s Vigil at the Ocean and the Rise of Wrath
अवलेपस्समुद्रस्यनदर्शयतियत्स्वयम् ।प्रशमश्चक्षमाचैवआर्जवंप्रियवादिता ।।6.21.14।।असामर्थ्यंफल्नात्येतेनिर्गुणेषुसतांगुणाः ।
avalephaḥ samudrasya na darśayati yat svayam | praśamaś ca kṣamā caiva ārjavaṃ priyavāditā ||6.21.14|| asāmarthyaṃ phalnāti ete nirguṇeṣu satāṃ guṇāḥ |
“大海的傲慢竟至于不肯自行现身。宁静、忍耐、正直与柔和之言——善人之德——若示于不肖之辈，反被当作软弱无能。”
"Why is it that the ocean does not show up to me? Indeed, calmness, forbearance, straightforwardness, politeness of speech are all attributes of virtuous qualities and one without these attributes are considered incapable."
FAQs
Dharma is balance: virtues like patience and gentle speech are ideal, yet leaders must recognize when such virtues are misread by the unworthy and must then act firmly to uphold righteousness.
Rāma explains to Lakṣmaṇa why the ocean’s silence has provoked him: the sea’s pride interprets respectful conduct as weakness.
Moral discernment in leadership—knowing when kṣamā (forbearance) supports dharma and when firmness is required.