Shloka 6.16.4

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

Devanagari script

प्रथानंसाधनंवैद्यंधर्मशीलंचराक्षस: ।ज्ञातयोह्यवमन्यन्तेशूरंपरिभवन्तिच ।।।।

Transliteration

nāgnir nānyāni śastrāṇi na naḥ pāśā bhayāvahāḥ |

ghorāḥ svārtha-prayuktās tu jñātayo no bhayāvahāḥ ||

Translation

Neither fire, nor other weapons, nor nooses are truly frightful to us; rather, it is kinsmen driven by self-interest—terrible in their selfishness—who are fearsome.

Context

"O Rakshasa! Relatives will insult and disapprove their chief even if he is an accomplished one, a virtuous one or a heroic one and does his duty (as a ruler)."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• agni (fire)
• śastra (weapons)
• pāśa (noose)
• jñāti (kinsmen)

FAQs

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

Dharma cautions that inner moral corruption (selfishness) can be more dangerous than external threats; ethical vigilance begins within one’s own circle.

What is the narrative situation?

Through a proverb, Vibhīṣaṇa stresses to Rāvaṇa that the greatest danger may come from self-serving insiders, not enemy weapons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) and realism in moral judgment.