Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 17, Shloka 68
विभीषणागमनम्
Vibhīṣaṇa’s Arrival and the Debate on Refuge
इत्युक्त्वापरुषंवाक्यंरावणंरावणानुजः ।आजगाममुहूर्तेनयत्ररामस्सलक्ष्मणः ।।6.17.1।।
yathāśakti mayoktaṃ tu rākṣasasyārjavaṃ prati | pramāṇaṃ tvaṃ tu śeṣasya śrutvā buddhimatāṃ varaḥ ||
As best as I could, I have stated what I think regarding that Rākṣasa’s sincerity. Having heard this, you—best among the wise—alone are the final authority to decide the rest.
"O Exceptionally wise Rama! You have heard what has been spoken about the ability of Vibheeshana. According to my thinking. You alone being the best judge can decide the rest of it."।। ityārṣēvālmīkīyēśrīmadrāmāyaṇēādikāvyēyuddhakāṇḍēsaptadaśassargaḥ ।।This is the end of the seventeenth sarga of Yuddha Kanda of the first epic, the holy Ramayana composed by sage Valmiki.
FAQs
Dharma in leadership includes accountable decision-making: advisors offer their view, but the righteous ruler bears responsibility for the final judgment.
After presenting an assessment of Vibhīṣaṇa’s sincerity, the speaker asks Rāma to make the definitive decision.
Judiciousness—Rāma’s capacity to weigh counsel and determine the truthful, dharmic course.
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