Rama Condemns the Abandonment of Anyone Who Seeks Refuge
Sundara Kanda, Doha 43
Doha 43 · Movement 2 of 2
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A refugee waits under guard while Rama speaks a law greater than the fear of spies. Someone has crossed the sky from an enemy city and placed his life in the hands of those he once stood against.
To imagine personal harm and abandon such a seeker is not prudence in Rama's measure. It is wretchedness stained with sin. He speaks so severely that even the sight of one who betrays refuge is said to bring misfortune.
The declaration leaves no hidden exception for dangerous times, hostile lineage, or uncertain motive. Sugriva's caution remains intelligent, but it cannot become the final gate. Once another being stands without defense and asks for shelter, the protector's own honor is present in that vulnerable life. Rama will guard it before guarding himself.
The stranger at the boundary becomes the test of whether mercy is a promise or merely a word.
Read the passage from the Manas
सरनागत कहुँ जे तजहिं निज अनहित अनुमानि। ते नर पावँर पापमय तिन्हहि बिलोकत हानि।।43।।
Those who abandon one who seeks their refuge, imagining harm to themselves, are wretched and sinful people; even to look upon them brings misfortune.