Shloka 6.36.4
माल्यवानुपदेशः—रावणक्रोधः तथा लङ्काद्वाररक्षा-व्यवस्था (Malyavan’s Counsel, Ravana’s Anger, and the Fortification of Lanka)
मानुषंकृपणंराममेकंशाखामृगाश्रयम् ।समर्थंमन्यसेकेनत्यक्तंपित्रावनालयम् ।।।।
prabhavantaṃ padasthaṃ hi paruṣaṃ ko 'bhibhāṣate | paṇḍitaḥ śāstratattvajño vinā protsāhanād ripoh || 6.36.7 ||
Who, being learned and knowing the truth of the śāstras, would address harshly one who is powerful and established—unless stirred up by the enemy?
"For what reason do you say that a wretched human being, alone, forsaken by a father who has taken asylum in the forest, who is taking the help of vanaras is capable?"
A ruler should value śāstra-guided truth over pleasing speech; dharma-based governance requires tolerating correction.
Rāvaṇa argues that no wise person would speak bluntly to a powerful king unless manipulated—thus he dismisses admonition.
The virtue is truthful speech aligned with śāstra (satya-vākya); Rāvaṇa instead expects deference and flattery.