Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 13, Shloka 7
महापार्श्वस्य परामर्शः
Mahāpārśva’s Counsel and Rāvaṇa’s Confession of Brahmā’s Curse
उपप्रदानंसान्त्वंवाभेदंवाकुशलैःकृतम् ।समतिक्रम्यदण्डेनसिद्धिमर्थेषुरोचये ।।।।
upapradānaṃ sāntvaṃ vā bhedaṃ vā kuśalaiḥ kṛtam |
samatikramya daṇḍena siddhim artheṣu rocaye ||
Isinasantabi ang mga paraang ginagawa ng marurunong—pagbibigay, pagpapalubag-loob, o paghahasik ng pagkakabaha-bahagi—ang aking ipinapayo ay makamit ang layunin sa pamamagitan ng daṇḍa, ang lakas ng parusa at puwersa.
"Leaving aside charity, conciliation or even by showing dissension, the three means resorted to by the wise people, you will attain success by force."
FAQs
It contrasts righteous governance with tyranny. Dharma allows force only within justice and restraint; here force is recommended as the primary tool, severed from moral legitimacy.
A counselor advises Rāvaṇa to disregard diplomatic measures and to rely on coercion to achieve his ends during the crisis of impending war.
The implied virtue is wise discernment (viveka) in policy and ethics; the counsel instead elevates coercion over righteousness.