Shloka 4.15.14

तारोपदेशः — Tara’s Counsel to Vali on Sugriva’s Roar and Rama’s Alliance

Devanagari script

प्रकृत्या निपुणश्चैव बुद्धिमांश्चैव वानरः।अपरीक्षितवीर्येण सुग्रीवस्सहनैष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

prakṛtyā nipuṇaś caiva buddhimāṃś caiva vānaraḥ |

aparīkṣita-vīryeṇa sugrīvas sakhyaṃ naiṣyati || 4.15.14 ||

Translation

Sugrīva the monkey is naturally shrewd and intelligent; he will not enter into friendship with an ally whose strength has not been tested.

Context

'Sugriva is clever by nature. He is wise. Without assessing the ability of the ally he will not enter into friendship.

Characters & Entities

• Vāli
• Sugrīva

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes prudent discernment in forming alliances: friendship and reliance should be grounded in proven capability and trustworthy testing, not mere hope.

What is the narrative situation?

Vāli concludes that Sugrīva must have verified a strong ally before returning to challenge him again.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical intelligence (buddhi) and strategic caution in choosing partners.