Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 106, Shloka 12
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
मयातुहितकामेवयशश्चपरिरक्षता ।स्नेहप्रसन्नमनसाहितमित्यप्रियंकृतम् ।।।।
mayā tu hitakāmena vai yaśaś ca parirakṣatā | sneha-prasanna-manasā hitam ity apriyaṃ kṛtam ||
«Mais moi—désireux de ton bien et veillant sur ta renommée—l’esprit adouci par l’affection et la bienveillance, j’ai fait ce que je tenais pour salutaire, même si cela t’a semblé déplaisant.»
Wishing your welfare, for your fame and to protect you with a friendly and pleasant feeling I did that which is good for you. You are unpleasant about this action.
FAQs
Dharma values ‘hita’ over mere ‘priya’: what is truly beneficial may feel unpleasant, yet wise service speaks and acts for welfare and lasting honor (yaśas).
The charioteer explains that his actions were motivated by loyalty and the desire to protect Rāvaṇa’s reputation, even if Rāvaṇa disliked them.
Benevolent counsel—placing the leader’s long-term good above momentary approval.