Shloka 26
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
तन्मर्षयतुयच्चोक्तंगुरुत्वाद्धितमिच्छता ।।6.16.25।।अत्मानंसर्वथारक्षपुरींचेमांसराक्षसाम् ।स्वस्तितेऽस्तुगमिष्यामिसुखीभवमयाविना ।।6.16.26।।
pradhānaṃ sādhanaṃ vaidyaṃ dharmaśīlaṃ ca rākṣasaḥ |
jñātayo hy avamanyante śūraṃ paribhavanti ca ||
O Rākṣasa, selbst wenn ein Anführer die wichtigste Stütze ist—tüchtig, gelehrt und dem Dharma ergeben—ja, selbst wenn er ein Held ist, können seine eigenen Verwandten ihn geringschätzen und verachten.
"Since you are an elderly one, I desired to tender good advice and spoke these words. I may be excused. You protect all these Rakshasas, this capital city and yourself after I depart. Let you be auspicious and be happy."
FAQs
Dharma in leadership is not validated by popularity; the verse teaches steadiness in righteousness even when one faces disrespect—even from one’s own people.
Vibhīṣaṇa continues warning Rāvaṇa that internal circles can undermine a ruler, so Rāvaṇa should listen to dharmic counsel rather than flattery.
Forthright integrity and commitment to dharma over social approval.