Shloka 4.18.5

वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)

Devanagari script

अपृष्ट्वा बुद्धिसम्पन्नान्वृद्धानाचार्यसम्मतान्।सौम्य वानरचापल्यात्किं मावक्तुमिहेच्छसि।।

Transliteration

apṛṣṭvā buddhisampannān vṛddhān ācārya-sammatān | saumya vānaracāpalyāt kiṃ mām vaktum iha icchasi ||

Translation

Without first consulting the wise—elders approved by the teachers—why, O gentle one, do you wish to speak to me here with the fickle rashness of a monkey?

Context

'O gentle Vali! why do you speak with monkeyish frivolousness, without consulting the elders and teachers endowed with intelligence?

Characters & Entities

• Sugriva
• vṛddhāḥ (elders)
• ācāryāḥ (teachers)

FAQs

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

Dharma here stresses restraint and due process: one should consult qualified elders and teachers before acting or speaking rashly.

What is the narrative situation?

In the tense dispute between the brothers, Vali rebukes Sugriva’s manner of speaking, accusing him of impulsiveness and lack of proper counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for authority and deliberation—valuing informed counsel over impulsive speech.