प्रहस्तनिर्याणम्
Prahasta’s Departure and the Muster of the Rakshasa Host
चपलाह्यविनीताश्चचलचित्ताश्चवानराः ।।।।नसहिष्यन्तितेनादंसिंहनादमिवद्विपाः ।
capalā hy avinītāś ca cala-cittāś ca vānarāḥ | na sahiṣyanti te nādaṁ siṁha-nādam iva dvipāḥ ||6.57.9||
Sesungguhnya para Vānara itu mudah berubah, tidak berdisiplin, dan hati mereka goyah; mereka tidak akan tahan akan aumanmu, sebagaimana gajah tidak mampu menahan ngauman singa.
Then Rama seeing Prahastha, the tamer of enemies of terrific valour coming towards him, said to Vibheeshana, having a gentle smile.
The verse illustrates how speech can be used to shape action; dharma-centered counsel should be truthful and measured, while disparaging underestimation can lead to unjust strategy and eventual harm.
A leader bolsters his commander’s confidence by characterizing the Vānaras as unable to stand firm under intimidation.
Indirectly, the importance of discernment (viveka): a virtuous strategist does not rely on stereotypes but assesses real strengths and weaknesses.