Shloka 9
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
विद्यतेगोषुसम्पन्नंविद्यतेब्राह्मणेदमः ।विद्यतेस्त्रीषुचापल्यंविद्यतेज्ञातितोभयम् ।।।।
vidyate goṣu sampannaṃ vidyate brāhmaṇe damaḥ |
vidyate strīṣu cāpalyam vidyate jñātito bhayam ||
Pada lembu ada kekayaan; pada seorang brāhmaṇa ada pengendalian diri; pada wanita ada ketidakmantapan; dan daripada kaum kerabat sendiri timbul ketakutan.
"In the past elephants in the lotus park, uttered some verses on seeing men holding snares in hand. I will relate those that I heard. You may listen."
FAQs
The verse presents a moral-psychological observation: knowing characteristic tendencies helps one act wisely and uphold dharma through prudent governance and relationships.
Vibhīṣaṇa continues his counsel to Rāvaṇa using proverbial generalizations to stress that danger can arise from within one’s own kin-group.
Practical wisdom (nīti) aligned with satya—stating hard truths for moral correction.