Shloka 5

Devanagari script

यत्तुशक्यंबलवताकर्तुंप्राकृतबुद्धिना ।अनुपासितवृद्धेनकःकुर्यात्तादृशंनरः ।।।।

Transliteration

yat tu śakyaṃ balavatā kartuṃ prākṛtabuddhinā | anupāsitavṛddhena kaḥ kuryāt tādṛśaṃ naraḥ ||

Translation

สิ่งใดที่คนมีกำลังแต่ปัญญาสามัญ ผู้มิได้อบรมด้วยคำสอนของผู้เฒ่าผู้ใหญ่พึงทำได้—ผู้มีปัญญาผู้ใดเล่าจะกระทำสิ่งเช่นนั้นในทำนองนั้น?

Word by Word

यत्that which

तुhowever/indeed

शक्यम्possible

बलवताby a strong person

कर्तुम्to do

प्राकृतबुद्धिनाwith unsophisticated intellect

अनुपासितवृद्धेनby one who has not served elders

कःwho?

कुर्यात्could/should do

तादृशम्such (a thing)

नरःa man/person

Context

" A strong person of unsophisticated intellect, who is progressive, a knower of everything will do such a task which is not possible to do?"

Characters & Entities

vṛddha (elders/counsellors)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma here emphasizes disciplined judgment: strength without refinement and guidance from elders can lead to reckless action; righteous conduct includes heeding wise counsel.

What is the narrative situation?

In Ravana’s court, strategic and moral arguments are being exchanged; the verse critiques action driven by raw power and untrained intellect rather than mature counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence (nīti) grounded in humility—valuing the instruction of elders and not relying solely on force.