Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 16, Shloka 21
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
सुलभाःपुरुषराजन् सततंप्रियवादिनः ।अप्रियस्यचपथ्यस्यवक्ताश्रोताचदुर्लभः ।।।।
sulabhāḥ puruṣa rājan satataṃ priyavādinaḥ | apriyasya ca pathyasya vaktā śrotā ca durlabhaḥ ||
Ô Roi, il est aisé de trouver des hommes qui parlent toujours avec douceur ; mais celui qui dit ce qui déplaît tout en étant salutaire, et celui qui sait l’entendre, sont l’un et l’autre rares.
"O King! Those who speak pleasingly are always easier to find than those who speak unpleasant but good words. Listeners of unpleasant words (though good) are difficult (to find)."
FAQs
Dharma values truthful, beneficial speech over flattery; both honest advisors and receptive leaders are rare and essential for righteous rule.
Vibhīṣaṇa contrasts flattering courtiers with genuine well-wishers, implicitly criticizing the atmosphere around Rāvaṇa.
Satya with hita (truth with welfare): the courage to speak and the maturity to hear difficult truths.