Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 29, Shloka 10
शुकसारणनिग्रहः / Ravana Rebukes Suka and Sārana; Spies Reconnoiter Rama’s Camp
गृहीतोवानविज्ञातोभारोऽज्ञानस्यवाह्यते ।ईदृशै: सचिवैर्युक्तोमूर्खैर्दिष्ट्यधराम्यहम् ।।।।
gṛhīto vā na vijñāto bhāro 'jñānasya vāhyate |
īdṛśaiḥ sacivair yukto mūrkhair diṣṭyā dharāmy aham ||6.29.10||
Though you have grasped the facts, you have not understood their meaning; thus the burden of ignorance is borne. With ministers as foolish as you, it is only by sheer fortune that I still uphold this kingdom.
"Even if you have grasped you have not understood the meaning or out of intensity of your ignorance. Or else I am bearing foolish ones like you who are not fit to be ministers. Out of good luck I am ruling this sovereignty."
FAQs
A ruler’s dharma includes respecting truthful counsel; rejecting it in anger leads to adharma and self-harm.
Rāvaṇa lashes out at his messengers, accusing them of foolishness after hearing their report about the Vānara forces.
Negatively, the vice of wrathful pride; it blocks learning and turns governance into blame rather than responsibility.