Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 5
महोदर-वाक्यं कुम्भकर्ण-प्रतिषेधः
Mahodara’s Counsel and the Critique of Kumbhakarna’s Solo Assault
यत्तुशक्यंबलवताकर्तुंप्राकृतबुद्धिना ।अनुपासितवृद्धेनकःकुर्यात्तादृशंनरः ।।।।
yat tu śakyaṃ balavatā kartuṃ prākṛtabuddhinā | anupāsitavṛddhena kaḥ kuryāt tādṛśaṃ naraḥ ||
جو کام ایک زورآور مگر عام فہم آدمی، جو بزرگوں کی نصیحت سے تربیت یافتہ نہ ہو، کر سکتا ہے—ایسا کام بھلا کون صاحبِ تمیز انسان اسی انداز سے کرنے کی کوشش کرے گا؟
" A strong person of unsophisticated intellect, who is progressive, a knower of everything will do such a task which is not possible to do?"
FAQs
Dharma here emphasizes disciplined judgment: strength without refinement and guidance from elders can lead to reckless action; righteous conduct includes heeding wise counsel.
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.
Prudence (nīti) grounded in humility—valuing the instruction of elders and not relying solely on force.