Shloka 6.35.8
माल्यवानुपदेशः — Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance
सन्दधानोहिकालेनविगृह्णंश्चारिभिस्सह ।।।।स्वपक्षवर्थनंकुर्वन्महदैश्वर्यमश्नुते ।
yena baddhaḥ samudre ca setuḥ sa paramādbhutaḥ |
kuruṣva nararājena sandhiṃ rāmeṇa rāvaṇa |
jñātvāvadhārya karmāṇi kriyatām āyatikṣamam ||
He by whom that utterly wondrous bridge was bound across the ocean—make peace with that ruler of men, Rāma, O Rāvaṇa. Having understood and rightly judged the course of action, let what is beneficial for the future be done.
"Continuing to act in that way in course of time a king who encounters his enemies and expands his own side, enjoys great sovereignty."
Dharma prioritizes future welfare over ego: after clear understanding and right judgment, one should choose the course that prevents harm and restores right order—here, peace with the righteous ruler.
Mālyavān urges Rāvaṇa to seek peace with Rāma, citing the astonishing feat of building the bridge across the ocean as proof of Rāma’s extraordinary power and inevitability.
Wise foresight: acting with regard to long-term consequences rather than immediate pride.