Shloka 6.16.15

विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम् (Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel)

Devanagari script

यथामधुकरस्तर्षात्काशपुष्पंपिबन्नपि ।रसमत्रनविन्देततथानार्वेषुसौहृदम् ।।।।

Transliteration

yathā madhukaras tarṣāt kāśa-puṣpaṃ pibann api | rasam atra na vindeta tathā 'nārveṣu sauhṛdam || 6.16.15 ||

Translation

Just as a bee, though it drinks at the kāśa flower in its thirst, finds no true sweetness there, so too among the ignoble no real friendship is found.

Context

"Just as honeybees do not stay at the flower after satisfaction with the nectar, in the same way is the friendship with unworthy ones."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Bee (madhukara)
• Kāśa flower (kāśa-puṣpa)

FAQs

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

Dharma encourages discernment: do not expect the ‘nectar’ of trust and affection where character is absent; true friendship rests on virtue and truth.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa concludes a chain of contemptuous similes meant to deny Vibhīṣaṇa’s goodwill and to brand him ‘unworthy.’

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is discrimination (viveka) in relationships; the larger scene contrasts Vibhīṣaṇa’s truthful counsel with Rāvaṇa’s prideful rejection.