Shloka 6.9.8

विभीषणोपदेशः — Vibhishana’s Counsel to Ravana

Devanagari script

अप्युपायैस्त्रिभिस्तातयोऽर्थःप्राप्तुंनशक्यते ।तस्यविक्रमकालांस्तान्युक्तानाहुर्मनीषिणः ।।।।

Transliteration

apy upāyais tribhis tāta yo 'rthaḥ prāptuṃ na śakyate |

tasya vikramakālāṃs tān yuktān āhur manīṣiṇaḥ ||

Translation

“Dear father, if an aim cannot be attained even by the three means of prudent policy, then—so the wise declare—only then comes the time for disciplined valor: heroic action undertaken with due effort.”

Context

"Dear father, intelligent people say that an act which cannot be accomplished by the three means (Sama - Conciliation, Dana - Gift, Bheda - Sowing dissension), should only be accomplished diligently by one's heroic deed. Therefore, we should think of war only after the above three means are employed."

Characters & Entities

• Vibhīṣaṇa
• Rāvaṇa
• upāya-traya (three policy-means: sāma, dāna, bheda)

FAQs

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

War/force is ethically last: dharma in governance requires exhausting peaceful and strategic means first; only when they fail does righteous valor become appropriate.

What is the narrative situation?

Vibhīṣaṇa advises Rāvaṇa on proper policy: attempt conciliation, gifts, and division before resorting to battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom (nīti) aligned with dharma—Vibhīṣaṇa advocates measured, rule-based decision-making rather than impulsive aggression.