Shloka 7
माल्यवानुपदेशः—रावणक्रोधः तथा लङ्काद्वाररक्षा-व्यवस्था
Malyavan’s Counsel, Ravana’s Anger, and the Fortification of Lanka
प्रभवन्तंपदस्थंहिपरुषंकोऽभिभाषते ।पण्डितश्शास्त्रतत्त्वज्ञोविनाप्रोत्साहनाद्रिपोः ।।।।
prabhavantaṃ padasthaṃ hi paruṣaṃ ko 'bhibhāṣate | paṇḍitaḥ śāstratattvajño vinā protsāhanād ripoh || 6.36.7 ||
Ai là bậc học giả, thấu triệt chân lý của śāstra, lại dám nặng lời với người quyền năng, địa vị vững chắc—nếu không phải do kẻ thù kích động?
"For what reason do you say that a wretched human being, alone, forsaken by a father who has taken asylum in the forest, who is taking the help of vanaras is capable?"
FAQs
A ruler should value śāstra-guided truth over pleasing speech; dharma-based governance requires tolerating correction.
Rāvaṇa argues that no wise person would speak bluntly to a powerful king unless manipulated—thus he dismisses admonition.
The virtue is truthful speech aligned with śāstra (satya-vākya); Rāvaṇa instead expects deference and flattery.