Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 30, Shloka 14
शार्दूलचरवृत्तान्तः
Saardula’s Spy-Report on Rama’s Camp and the Vanara Host
मनसातंतदाप्रेक्ष्यतच्छ्रुत्वाराक्षसाधिपः ।शार्दूलंसुमहद्वाक्यमथोवाचसरावणः ।।6.30.14।।
manasā taṃ tadā prekṣya tac chrutvā rākṣasādhipaḥ | śārdūlaṃ sumahad vākyaṃ athovāca sa rāvaṇaḥ ||6.30.14||
Mendengar itu dan menimbangnya dalam batin, Rahwana, penguasa para Raksasa, lalu berkata kepada Śārdūla dengan jawaban yang berat dan tegas.
"Even if Devas, Gandharvas and Danavas come to wage war with me and even if I have threats from all worlds, I will not give away Sita."
FAQs
The verse points to deliberation as a duty of leadership—reflecting before speaking—though later choices determine whether that deliberation aligns with dharma.
After hearing Śārdūla’s report and advice, Rāvaṇa reflects and prepares to respond.
Vicāra (reflection): the act of mentally reviewing counsel before replying.