Shloka 6.14.9

विभीषणोपदेशः (Vibhīṣaṇa’s Counsel to Rāvaṇa and the Rākṣasa Court)

Devanagari script

प्रहस्तवाक्यंत्वहितंनिशम्यविभीषणोराजहितानुकाङ्क्षी ।ततोमहार्थंवचनंबभाषेधर्मार्थकामेषुनिविष्टबुद्धि:।। ।।

Transliteration

parasya vīryaṃ svabalaṃ ca budhvā sthānaṃ kṣayaṃ caiva tathaiva vṛddhim | tathā svapakṣe ’py anumṛśya budhvā vadet kṣamaṃ svāmihitaṃ samantrī ||

Translation

A minister, having ascertained the foe’s prowess and one’s own strength—together with one’s position, decline, and growth—and having likewise reflected upon one’s own side, should advise his lord what is fitting and truly beneficial.

Context

Then Vibheeshana, wishing the welfare of the king, intent upon Dharma, artha and kama, thinking rightly and deeply, spoke these words on hearing Prahastha's words that were not good.

Characters & Entities

• Minister (samantrī)
• King/lord (svāmin)
• Opponent/foe (para)

FAQs

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

Dharma in governance: counsel must be reality-based, impartial, and aimed at the ruler’s genuine welfare—not at flattery or factional gain.

What is the narrative situation?

At the close of the court debate, the text generalizes a rule of good counsel: weigh strengths, weaknesses, and trajectories before advising the king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Ministerial integrity and discernment (viveka): speaking what is appropriate and beneficial after careful assessment.