Shloka 6.35.37
माल्यवानुपदेशः — Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance
विष्णुंमन्यामहेरामंमानुषंरूपमास्थितम् ।नहिमानुषमात्रोऽसौराघवोदृढविक्रमः ।।6.35.36।।येनबद्धःसमुद्रेचसेतुःसपरमाद्भुतः ।कुरुष्वनरराजेनसधनिंरामेणरावण ।।6.35.37।।ज्ञात्वावधार्यकर्माणिक्रियतामायतिक्षमम् ।
taraṇaṃ sāgarasyāpi vikramaṃ balasañjiyam |
yad uktavanto rāmasya bhavantas tan mayā śrutam ||
I have heard what you have said—about the sea being crossed, and about the valor and gathered strength displayed in Rāma’s cause.
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.
Responsible counsel begins with attentive listening and accurate acknowledgment of facts; dharma in governance requires decisions grounded in what is truly known, not in pride or denial.
Mālyavān begins advising Rāvaṇa, indicating he has heard reports about extraordinary feats done for Rāma’s mission, setting the stage for urging a prudent response.
Prudence and clarity: the counsellor’s habit of verifying and recognizing the opponent’s capability before recommending policy.