Shloka 6.6.9

रावणस्य मन्त्रविचारः — Ravana’s Council on Strategy

Devanagari script

कोऽर्थंविमृशेदेकोधर्मेप्रकुरुतेमनः ।।6.6.9।।कःकार्याणिकुरुतेतमाहुर्मध्यमंनरम् ।

Transliteration

ko 'rthaṃ vimṛśed eko dharme prakurute manaḥ |

kaḥ kāryāṇi kurute tam āhur madhyamaṃ naram ||6.6.9||

Translation

Who reflects on aims alone and turns his mind to dharma only within himself? One who carries out tasks by himself—such a person is said to be a middling man.

Context

"He who thinks solitarily (not with others), deliberates with in his mind on his duty and executes his tasks, is said to be a (mediocre) a mediocre one."

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma in governance and action requires mature counsel—seeking advice and deliberating responsibly—rather than acting in isolation based only on one’s private judgment.

What is the narrative situation?

A reflective statement on decision-making and competence, likely occurring amid wartime deliberations where strategy and dharma-guided action must be coordinated through counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudent judgment (viveka) expressed through consultation, coordinated effort, and disciplined execution of duty rather than solitary, self-contained action.