Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 6, Shloka 8
रावणस्य मन्त्रविचारः
Ravana’s Council on Strategy
मन्त्रिभिर्हितसंयुक्तैस्समर्थैर्मन्त्रनिर्णये ।।6.6.7।।मित्रैर्वापिसमानार्थैर्बान्धवैरपिवाधिकैः ।सहितोमन्त्रियित्वायःकर्मारम्भान्प्रवर्तयेत् ।।6.6.8।।दैवेचकुरुतेयत्नंतमाहुःपुरुषोत्तमम् ।
mantribhir hitasaṃyuktaiḥ samarthair mantranirṇaye |
mitrair vāpi samānārthair bāndhavair api vādhikaiḥ |
sahito mantrayitvā yaḥ karmārambhān pravartayet |
daive ca kurute yatnaṃ tam āhuḥ puruṣottamam ||6.6.7-6.6.8||
Yaong, na kasama ang mga ministrong may mabuting hangarin at bihasa sa paghatol ng payo—gayundin ang mga kaibigang kapareho ng layon at mga kamag-anak na kaayon—ay nagsasanggunian muna bago simulan ang mga gawain, at pagkatapos ay nagsisikap na may paggalang sa kalooban ng Diyos; siya ang tinatawag na pinakamainam sa mga tao.
"What is the best thing to do now? What should we do ultimately? What is advisable to do? What strategy is effective? You may suggest that which is good for us."
FAQs
Rajadharma: begin actions only after consultation with competent well-wishers, aligning effort with truth, shared purpose, and humility before the divine order.
In war-council mode, Rāvaṇa articulates a standard of ideal leadership and decision-making grounded in deliberation.
Responsible leadership: consultation, clarity of shared goals, and disciplined effort rather than rashness.