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 ||
രാജാവേ, എപ്പോഴും പ്രിയവാക്കുകൾ പറയുന്നവർ എളുപ്പം ലഭിക്കും; എന്നാൽ അസ്വാദ്യമായാലും പഥ്യമായ വാക്ക് പറയുന്നവനും അതു കേൾക്കാൻ കഴിയുന്നവനും—ഇരുവരും ദുർലഭരാണ്.
"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.