Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 74, Shloka 22
भरतस्य कैकेयी-गर्हा तथा सुरभि-दृष्टान्तः
Bharata’s Reproach of Kaikeyi and the Surabhi Exemplum
एवमुक्ता तु सुरभि स्सुरराजेन धीमता।प्रत्युवाच ततो धीरा वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदा।।।।
evam uktā tu surabhiḥ surarājena dhīmatā | pratyuvāca tato dhīrā vākyaṁ vākyaviśāradā ||
Nang siya’y kausapin nang gayon ng marunong na Hari ng mga diyos, si Surabhi—matatag at bihasa sa pananalita—ay saka sumagot.
On hearing the sagacious Indra, king of the gods, Kamadhenu, proficient in speech, calmly replied:
FAQs
Dharma in dialogue: even in grief, one should speak with steadiness and clarity, aiming at truthful communication.
After Indra’s inquiry, Surabhi prepares to explain the reason for her sorrow.
Surabhi’s composure and disciplined speech—self-control as a moral strength.