Shloka 21
युद्धकाण्डे द्वादशः सर्गः — रावणस्य परिषद्-सम्बोधनं कुम्भकर्णस्य नीत्युपदेशश्च
Ravana’s Council Address and Kumbhakarna’s Counsel
अथवाकपिनैकेनकृतंनःकदनंमहत् ।।6.12.21।।दुर् ज्ञेयाःकार्यगतयोब्रूतयस्ययथामति ।
athavā kapināikena kṛtaṃ naḥ kadanaṃ mahat |
durjñeyāḥ kāryagatayo brūta yasya yathāmati ||6.12.21||
กระนั้น แม้เพียงวานรตัวเดียวก็ได้ก่อความพินาศใหญ่หลวงแก่พวกเราแล้ว วิถีแห่งการกระทำของพวกเขายากจะหยั่งรู้—จงกล่าวเถิดว่าเห็นประการใด แต่ละคนตามดุลยพินิจของตน
"How will the Vanaras and even both the sons of Dasaratha be able to cross the unassailable ocean inhabited by huge crocodiles?"
FAQs
It underscores accountability and foresight: actions have unpredictable consequences, and rulers should deliberate wisely—especially when opposing a dharmic cause.
Recalling the damage caused by one Vānara (Hanumān), Rāvaṇa invites counsel because the enemy’s capabilities and outcomes are uncertain.
Deliberation (mantra) and prudence—seeking advice rather than acting blindly, even though the speaker’s broader course remains adharma.