Shloka 3.40.8
मारीचोपदेश-प्रतिषेधः / Ravana Rejects Maricha’s Counsel and Orders the Golden Deer Deception
दोषं गुणं वा सम्पृष्टस्त्वमेवं वक्तुमर्हसि।अपायं वाप्युपायं वा कार्यस्यास्य विनिश्चये।।3.40.8।।
sampṛṣṭena tu vaktavyaṃ sacivena vipaścitā |
udyatāñjalinā rājñe ya icched bhūtim ātmanaḥ ||3.40.9||
A wise minister, if he desires his own welfare, should speak to the king only when asked—and then with folded hands.
If I asked you the merits or demerits, the risks involved or the way out while deciding a case, you should have said what you did.
Rājadharma includes proper etiquette and timing in counsel. Yet the higher dharma is truth-speaking for the common good; the narrative shows the tension between courtly protocol and moral urgency.
Rāvaṇa lectures Mārīca on how ministers should address kings, as a way to dismiss Mārīca’s warnings.
The stated virtue is respectful, disciplined speech in governance; the episode also underscores the courage needed to speak truth even when unwelcome.