Shloka 6.16.25

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

Devanagari script

तन्मर्षयतुयच्चोक्तंगुरुत्वाद्धितमिच्छता ।।।।अत्मानंसर्वथारक्षपुरींचेमांसराक्षसाम् ।स्वस्तितेऽस्तुगमिष्यामिसुखीभवमयाविना ।।।।

Transliteration

jānāmi śīlaṃ jñātīnāṃ sarvalokeṣu rākṣasaḥ |

hṛṣyanti vyasaneṣv ete jñātīnā jñātayaḥ sadā ||

Translation

O Rākṣasa, I know the way of kinsmen in every world: these relatives, again and again, take delight when their own kin fall into distress.

Context

"Since you are an elderly one, I desired to tender good advice and spoke these words. I may be excused. You protect all these Rakshasas, this capital city and yourself after I depart. Let you be auspicious and be happy."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• rākṣasas (as a group)

FAQs

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

Dharma here warns against blind trust in even one’s own circle; ethical discernment requires recognizing envy and opportunism that can arise among kin.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa is admonishing Rāvaṇa, explaining that relatives may secretly rejoice in a leader’s downfall, urging Rāvaṇa to heed wise counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vibhīṣaṇa’s satya (truthfulness) and moral courage—speaking an unpleasant truth for the other’s welfare.