Valmiki Ramayana 6.16.3 — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 3
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
जानामिशीलंज्ञातीनांसर्वलोकेषुराक्षस: ।हृष्यन्तिव्यसनेष्वेतेज्ञातीनाज्ञातयस्सदा ।।।।
jānāmi śīlaṃ jñātīnāṃ sarvalokeṣu rākṣasaḥ |
hṛṣyanti vyasaneṣv ete jñātīnā jñātayaḥ sadā ||
Conozco la índole de los parientes en todos los mundos, oh Rākṣasa: estos deudos, una y otra vez, se complacen cuando su propia sangre cae en la desgracia.
"Since you are an elderly one, I desired to tender good advice and spoke these words. I may be excused. You protect all these Rakshasas, this capital city and yourself after I depart. Let you be auspicious and be happy."
FAQs
Dharma here warns against blind trust in even one’s own circle; ethical discernment requires recognizing envy and opportunism that can arise among kin.
Vibhīṣaṇa is admonishing Rāvaṇa, explaining that relatives may secretly rejoice in a leader’s downfall, urging Rāvaṇa to heed wise counsel.
Vibhīṣaṇa’s satya (truthfulness) and moral courage—speaking an unpleasant truth for the other’s welfare.
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