Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 12, Shloka 21
युद्धकाण्डे द्वादशः सर्गः — रावणस्य परिषद्-सम्बोधनं कुम्भकर्णस्य नीत्युपदेशश्च
Ravana’s Council Address and Kumbhakarna’s Counsel
अथवाकपिनैकेनकृतंनःकदनंमहत् ।।6.12.21।।दुर् ज्ञेयाःकार्यगतयोब्रूतयस्ययथामति ।
athavā kapināikena kṛtaṃ naḥ kadanaṃ mahat |
durjñeyāḥ kāryagatayo brūta yasya yathāmati ||6.12.21||
And yet, even a single monkey has inflicted great devastation upon us. The courses of their actions are hard to foresee—say what you think, each according to his own judgment.
"How will the Vanaras and even both the sons of Dasaratha be able to cross the unassailable ocean inhabited by huge crocodiles?"
FAQs
It underscores accountability and foresight: actions have unpredictable consequences, and rulers should deliberate wisely—especially when opposing a dharmic cause.
Recalling the damage caused by one Vānara (Hanumān), Rāvaṇa invites counsel because the enemy’s capabilities and outcomes are uncertain.
Deliberation (mantra) and prudence—seeking advice rather than acting blindly, even though the speaker’s broader course remains adharma.
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