Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 35, Shloka 9
माल्यवानुपदेशः
Malyavan’s Counsel, Portents in Laṅkā, and the Proposal of Alliance
हीयमानेनकर्तव्योराज्ञासन्धिस्समेवच ।।।।नशत्रुमवमन्येतज्यायान्कुर्वीतविग्रहम् ।
hīyamānena kartavyo rājñā sandhiḥ sama eva ca |
na śatrum avamanyeta jyāyān kurvīta vigraham ||
அரசனின் வலிமை குறையும்போது, சமவலமுள்ளவருடன் சமாதானம் செய்ய வேண்டும்; பகைவரை இகழக் கூடாது; எதிரி மிக வலிமையானவன் என்றால் பகைமையைத் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்।
"O king! Whoever is well versed in all the fourteen sciences and is a follower of justice, he alone wins over enemies and rules the kingdom for long."
FAQs
Dharma rejects arrogance: a ruler must avoid contempt for adversaries and choose peace when necessary to prevent unjust destruction.
Mālyavān gives direct policy advice aimed at preventing Rāvaṇa from persisting in a losing, pride-driven conflict.
Humility and restraint—knowing when to cease hostility for the greater good.