Shloka 25
विभीषणोपदेशे रावणस्य परुषवाक्यम्
Ravana’s Harsh Reply to Vibhishana’s Counsel
तन्मर्षयतुयच्चोक्तंगुरुत्वाद्धितमिच्छता ।।।।अत्मानंसर्वथारक्षपुरींचेमांसराक्षसाम् ।स्वस्तितेऽस्तुगमिष्यामिसुखीभवमयाविना ।।।।
tan marṣayatu yac coktaṃ gurutvād dhitam icchatā |
ātmānaṃ sarvathā rakṣa purīṃ cemāṃ sa-rākṣasām |
svasti te 'stu gamiṣyāmi sukhī bhava mayā vinā ||
愿你宽恕我所说的一切；因你为长者，我才出言，只求你的利益。务必处处护持自身，也护持这座城与诸罗刹同在。愿吉祥安泰属于你；我将离去——没有我，你也当安乐。
"We have no fear of fire or weapons or noose of death. Selfish relatives are causing fear in us."
FAQs
Dharma includes speaking beneficial truth respectfully, and when counsel is rejected, withdrawing from adharma without hatred—while still wishing the other’s welfare.
After offering repeated advice, Vibhīṣaṇa asks forgiveness for any harshness, urges Rāvaṇa to protect himself and Laṅkā, and declares his departure.
Vibhīṣaṇa’s moral firmness and compassion: he separates from wrongdoing yet maintains goodwill and respectful speech.