Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 57, Shloka 9
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||
வானரர்கள் சஞ்சலமும் ஒழுக்கமின்மையும் மன நிலையின்மையும் உடையவர்கள்; அவர்கள் உன் கர்ஜனையைத் தாங்கமாட்டார்கள்—யானைகள் சிங்கநாதத்தைத் தாங்காததுபோல।
Then Rama seeing Prahastha, the tamer of enemies of terrific valour coming towards him, said to Vibheeshana, having a gentle smile.
FAQs
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.