Shloka 19
दूतधर्म-परामर्शः
Envoy-Immunity and Royal Counsel in Ravana’s Court
न चाप्यस्य कपेर्घाते कञ्चित्पश्याम्यहं गुणम्।तेष्वयं पात्यतां दण्डो यैरयं प्रेषितः कपिः।।।।
na cāpy asya kaper ghāte kañcit paśyāmy ahaṁ guṇam | teṣv ayaṁ pātyatāṁ daṇḍo yair ayaṁ preṣitaḥ kapiḥ ||
Et je ne vois aucun avantage à tuer ce singe. Que le châtiment tombe plutôt sur ceux par qui ce singe a été envoyé.
"I do not see any use in killing this monkey. Pronounce punishment on those who have sent this vanara.
FAQs
Punishment (daṇḍa) should be directed with discernment: harming an emissary is unproductive and unethical; accountability should be assigned to the responsible principals behind the mission.
After Hanumān’s capture, debate arises in Rāvaṇa’s court about what should be done; Vibhīṣaṇa argues against execution and for a more rational, targeted response.
Justice tempered by reason—Vibhīṣaṇa emphasizes utility and fairness rather than impulsive vengeance.