Shloka 6.35.7
माल्यवानुपदेशः — Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance
विद्यास्वभिविनीतोयोराजाराजन्नयानुगः ।।।।सशास्तिचिरमैश्वर्यमरींश्चकुरुतेवशे ।
hīyamānena kartavyo rājñā sandhiḥ sama eva ca |
na śatrum avamanyeta jyāyān kurvīta vigraham ||
When a king’s power is declining, he should make peace with an equal; he should not despise an enemy—and if the opponent is stronger, he should refrain from hostility.
"O king! Whoever is well versed in all the fourteen sciences and is a follower of justice, he alone wins over enemies and rules the kingdom for long."
Dharma rejects arrogance: a ruler must avoid contempt for adversaries and choose peace when necessary to prevent unjust destruction.
Mālyavān gives direct policy advice aimed at preventing Rāvaṇa from persisting in a losing, pride-driven conflict.
Humility and restraint—knowing when to cease hostility for the greater good.