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||
Pois os vānara são volúveis, indisciplinados e de mente instável; não suportarão o teu bramido, como os elefantes não suportam o bramido de um leão.
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.