Ramayana — Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 47
वाली–रामसंवादः
Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma
प्रतिवक्तुं प्रकृष्टे हि नापकृष्टस्तु शक्नुयात्4.18.47।।यदयुक्तं मया पूर्वं प्रमादाद्वाक्यमप्रियम्।तत्रापि खलु मे दोषं कर्तुं नार्हसि राघव।
prativaktuṃ prakṛṣṭe hi nāpakṛṣṭas tu śaknuyāt | yad ayuktaṃ mayā pūrvaṃ pramādād vākyam apriyam | tatrāpi khalu me doṣaṃ kartuṃ nārhasi rāghava ||
Indeed, an inferior person cannot properly argue back against one who is superior. If earlier, through heedlessness, I spoke improper and unpleasant words—then even for that you should not hold it against me, O Rāghava.
FAQs
Accountability and repentance: improper speech arising from pramāda (heedlessness) should be acknowledged, and forgiveness sought rather than defended.
Having accepted Rāma’s position, Vālī reflects on his earlier harsh words and asks Rāma not to treat them as a lasting offense.
Contrition and humility—Vālī recognizes his lapse and requests forgiveness.