Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 106, Shloka 18
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
देशकालौ च विज्ञेयौलक्षणानीङ्गितानि च ।दैन्यंहर्षश्चखेदश्चरथिनश्चबलाबलम् ।।।।
deśa-kālau ca vijñeyau lakṣaṇānīṅgitāni ca |
dainyaṃ harṣaś ca khedaś ca rathinaś ca balābalam ||
Il faut discerner le lieu et le temps, les signes et les augures ; l’abattement, l’allégresse et la fatigue du guerrier, ainsi que la force et la faiblesse de celui qui est sur le char.
"Propitious and unpropitious, time and place, good and evil signs and omens, depression and liveliness of the warrior as well as strength and weakness of the one in the chariot must be ascertained."
FAQs
Responsible action (dharma in governance/war) requires informed judgment—considering context, signs, and the condition of one’s forces rather than acting from impulse.
Rāvaṇa articulates criteria for strategic assessment in battle, emphasizing observation of omens and the combatant’s condition.
Prudence and situational awareness (yukti, avadhāna)—competencies expected in righteous leadership, even if Rāvaṇa applies them self-servingly.