Shloka 5.36.17
सीताप्रत्यय-प्रदानम् (Sita’s Recognition and Reassurance by the Envoy)
द्विविधं त्रिविधोपायमुपायमपि सेवते।विजिगीषुस्सुहृत्कच्चिन्मित्रेषु च परन्तपः।।।।
dvividhaṃ trividhopāyam upāyam api sevate | vijigīṣuḥ suhṛt kaccin mitreṣu ca parantapaḥ ||
I pray that Rāma—the scorcher of foes, intent on victory—follows sound policy: employing, as needed, even the twofold and threefold strategic means, and sustaining goodwill and wise counsel among friends and allies.
"Tell me if Rama, scorcher of enemies, desirous of victory is following a two-fold policy (confrontation and conciliation) A tough enemy cannot be defeated by following this method. A three-fold strategy has to be adopted in this case (confrontation, conciliation and creation of dissension among his foes) to be victorious. I hope he is well-disposed to his friends and has a good team!
Rājadharma guided by nīti: victory should be pursued through appropriate, proportionate means while sustaining loyalty and goodwill among friends—power is ethically grounded in wise counsel and right relationships.
After Hanumān proves he is Rāma’s messenger, Sītā questions him anxiously about Rāma’s condition and preparedness—especially whether he is acting with prudent strategy and supportive allies.
Rāma’s prudence and disciplined leadership (nīti-jñatā), along with steadfastness in friendship—victory pursued without abandoning ethical governance.