Shloka 6.106.8

रावण-सारथि-संवादः (Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct)

Devanagari script

न हितद्विद्यतेकर्मसुहृदोहितकाङ्क्षिणः ।रिपूणांसदृशंत्वेतद्यतत्त्वयैतदनुष्ठितम् ।।।।

Transliteration

na hitaṃ vidyate karma suhṛdo hitakāṅkṣiṇaḥ | ripūṇāṃ sadṛśaṃ tv etad yat tvayā etad anuṣṭhitam ||

Translation

This deed is not the act of a well-wisher who seeks another’s good; what you have done is fitting for enemies.

Context

What has been done by you is not befitting, this is What an enemy should have done. Being good at heart you have done What is good for enemy.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Sārathi (charioteer)
• ripūṇām (enemies)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as acting for another’s genuine welfare (hita). A true ally’s actions should protect and support; harmful outcomes resemble enemy conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa rebukes the charioteer, claiming the withdrawal served the enemy’s advantage rather than his own.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Well-wishing friendship (suhṛt-bhāva): actions should align with the friend’s good, not merely personal caution.