Shloka 3
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
हीनवीर्यमिवाशक्तंपौरुषेणविवर्जितम् ।भीरुंलघुमिवासत्त्वंविहीनमिवतेजसा ।।6.106.2।।विमुक्तमिवमायाभिरस्त्रैरिवबहिष्कृतम् ।मामवज्ञायदुर्बुद्धेस्वयाबुद्ध्याविचेष्टसे ।।6.106.3।।
vimuktam iva māyābhir astrair iva bahiṣkṛtam | mām avajñāya durbuddhe svayā buddhyā viceṣṭase ||
Seolah-olah engkau telah terlepas daripada segala helah, seolah-olah tersisih daripada senjata, demikianlah engkau bertindak—wahai yang dungu—memandang hina aku dan hanya menurut pertimbanganmu yang menyimpang.
"You dullard! Disdaining me as not capable, lacking manliness, powerless, deficient in valour, timid, incapable, petty, devoid of energy, not knowing conjuring tricks, abandoned weapons, driven out, you act not knowing me in your own way foolishly using your discretion."
FAQs
The verse warns against acting from self-will while disregarding rightful authority and context; dharma in service requires alignment with legitimate command and sound counsel rather than ego-driven impulse.
Rāvaṇa, angered that his chariot was drawn away from the fight, accuses the charioteer of acting foolishly and disrespectfully.
Discernment (buddhi) and loyal counsel: an attendant’s intelligence should support the leader’s purpose, not undermine it through rash independence.