Shloka 25
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
तन्मर्षयतुयच्चोक्तंगुरुत्वाद्धितमिच्छता ।।।।अत्मानंसर्वथारक्षपुरींचेमांसराक्षसाम् ।स्वस्तितेऽस्तुगमिष्यामिसुखीभवमयाविना ।।।।
tan marṣayatu yac coktaṃ gurutvād dhitam icchatā |
ātmānaṃ sarvathā rakṣa purīṃ cemāṃ sa-rākṣasām |
svasti te 'stu gamiṣyāmi sukhī bhava mayā vinā ||
Vergib, was ich gesagt habe; weil du mein Älterer bist, sprach ich in der Absicht deines Wohls. Schütze dich in jeder Weise und schütze auch diese Stadt samt den Rākṣasas. Heil und Wohlergehen seien dir; ich werde gehen—sei glücklich ohne mich.
"We have no fear of fire or weapons or noose of death. Selfish relatives are causing fear in us."
FAQs
Dharma includes speaking beneficial truth respectfully, and when counsel is rejected, withdrawing from adharma without hatred—while still wishing the other’s welfare.
After offering repeated advice, Vibhīṣaṇa asks forgiveness for any harshness, urges Rāvaṇa to protect himself and Laṅkā, and declares his departure.
Vibhīṣaṇa’s moral firmness and compassion: he separates from wrongdoing yet maintains goodwill and respectful speech.