Shloka 6.35.36
माल्यवानुपदेशः — Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance
विष्णुंमन्यामहेरामंमानुषंरूपमास्थितम् ।नहिमानुषमात्रोऽसौराघवोदृढविक्रमः ।।।।येनबद्धःसमुद्रेचसेतुःसपरमाद्भुतः ।कुरुष्वनरराजेनसधनिंरामेणरावण ।।।।ज्ञात्वावधार्यकर्माणिक्रियतामायतिक्षमम् ।
viṣṇuṃ manyāmahe rāmaṃ mānuṣaṃ rūpam āsthitam | na hi mānuṣamātro 'sau rāghavo dṛḍhavikramaḥ || yena baddhaḥ samudre ca setuḥ sa paramādbhutaḥ | kuruṣva nararājena sadhaniṃ rāmeṇa rāvaṇa || jñātvā 'vadhārya karmāṇi kriyatām āyatikṣamam ||
We regard Rāma as Viṣṇu who has assumed a human form; that steadfast and mighty Rāghava is not merely human. He is the one by whom an astonishing bridge has been built upon the ocean. O Rāvaṇa, make peace with that king of men, Rāma; having understood and rightly determined the course of action, do what will endure for the future.
Rama is Lord Vishnu in human form endowed with fortitude and prowess. One who has constructed an amazing bridge on the ocean is not just a human being. O Ravana! Align with the ruler of men, Sri Rama. After careful thinking and determining correctly, do what is good.
Dharma prioritizes protection of life and right order: when confronted with a righteous, divinely-backed cause, the ethical choice is truthful reassessment and peace-making over stubborn pride.
Vibhīṣaṇa urges Rāvaṇa to recognize Rāma’s extraordinary nature and to seek a treaty, warning that continued hostility will destroy Laṅkā.
Wise counsel and humility—choosing long-term welfare (āyati-kṣama) through truthful discernment rather than ego.