Shloka 4.64.5
अङ्गदोपदेशः समुद्रदर्शन-विषादश्च (Angada’s Counsel and the Vanaras’ Despondency at the Ocean)
सत्त्वैर्महद्भिर्विकृतैः क्रीडद्भिर्विविधैर्जले।व्यात्तास्यैस्सुमहाकायैरूर्मिभिश्च समाकुलम्।।।।प्रसुप्तमिव चान्यत्र क्रीडन्तमिव चान्यतः।क्वचित्पर्वतमात्रैश्च जलराशिभिरावृतम्।।।।सङ्कुलं दानवेन्द्रैश्च पातालतलवासिभिः।रोमहर्षकरं दृष्ट्वा विषेदु: कपिकुञ्जराः।।।।
aṅgadasya vacaḥ śrutvā na kaścit kiñcid abravīt |
stimite vābhavat sarvā sā tatra harivāhinī ||
Hearing Angada’s words, no one replied even in the least; there the entire vānaras’ host fell silent, as though stilled into motionlessness.
The ocean was of terrifying form filled with various violent species of grotesque creatures of huge bodies playing in the water. Full of violent tides, it appeared asleep at one place and apparently sporting in another. In some places it was rising as highas a mountain with huge volumes of water. It was as if roaring with the demon chiefs residing in the underworld. The great monkeys were worried seeing the huge ocean which created horripilation in them.
Dharma warns against paralysis in duty: silence born of fear can endanger a righteous mission; one must respond responsibly when leadership calls for action.
After Angada speaks to rally and organize the troops, the assembly remains silent and motionless, showing hesitation.
Implicitly, the need for accountability and initiative—virtues missing in the moment, highlighted by the troop’s silence.