Ramayana — Sundara Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 27
दूतधर्म-परामर्शः
Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court
निशाचराणामधिपोऽनुजस्य विभीषणस्योत्तमवाक्यमिष्टम्।जग्राह बुद्ध्या सुरलोकशत्रु र्महाबलो राक्षसराजमुख्यः।।।।
niśācarāṇām adhipo 'nujasya vibhīṣaṇasyottamavākyam iṣṭam |
jagrāha buddhyā suralokaśatrur mahābalo rākṣasarājamukhyaḥ ||
The mighty chief among rākṣasa kings—lord of the night-roamers and foe of the gods—accepted with understanding the excellent counsel dear to his younger brother Vibhīṣaṇa.
"O destroyer of foes, O unassailable king of demon! calm down. Only after carefully considering what is proper and improper decide on the punishment to be imposed".
FAQs
Even powerful rulers should be guided by wise counsel; accepting good advice is itself a dharmic act of governance.
The sarga concludes with Rāvaṇa, despite his hostility to the gods, choosing to accept Vibhīṣaṇa’s excellent counsel.
Teachability and deliberation in rulership—the capacity to listen to sound advice rather than act purely from rage.