The Counsel of a Natural Well-Wisher
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 63
Doha 63 · Movement 2 of 2
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A natural well-wisher, guru, or master speaks from responsibility for another's good. Such counsel may oppose immediate desire precisely because affection sees the consequence ahead.
One who refuses humble attention will repent deeply when the path reveals what warning had already named.
The doha pauses before Sita's answer and establishes the seriousness of listening. Devotion cannot mean automatic agreement with one's own longing. Yet true discernment must also recognize when counsel arises from protective love and when the soul's dharma still requires a different choice. Sita must hear fully before she can speak truly.
Sita receives the warning without haste, for a loving answer must first honour the whole weight of loving counsel.
Read the passage from the Manas
सहज सुह्द गुर स्वामि सिख जो न करइ सिर मानि।। सो पछिताइ अघाइ उर अवसि होइ हित हानि।।63।।
One who does not humbly accept the counsel of a natural well-wisher, a guru, or a master, will surely repent to the depths of the heart. Loss of one's own good is certain.