Shloka 6.18.9
शरणागति-धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
अस्तिसूक्ष्मतरंकिंचिद्यदत्रप्रतिभातिमे ।प्रत्यक्षंलौकिकंचापिविद्यतेसर्वराजसु ।।।।
rāghaveṇābhaye datte sannato rāvaṇānujaḥ | vibhīṣaṇo mahāprājño bhūmiṃ samavalokayan ||
When Rāghava granted him assurance of safety, Vibhīṣaṇa—the most wise younger brother of Rāvaṇa—bowed low and, with his gaze upon the ground, prepared to submit.
"It strikes me that in this regard, as it is openly known for all the kings or at least in a subtle manner from a worldly point of view."
Śaraṇāgati-dharma: granting protection (abhaya) to one seeking refuge, and responding with humility and sincerity when protection is received.
After deliberation, Rāma assures Vibhīṣaṇa of safety; Vibhīṣaṇa responds with respectful submission.
Rāma’s protective righteousness and Vibhīṣaṇa’s humility and trust in dharma.