Shloka 6.36.12
माल्यवानुपदेशः—रावणक्रोधः तथा लङ्काद्वाररक्षा-व्यवस्था (Malyavan’s Counsel, Ravana’s Anger, and the Fortification of Lanka)
यदितावत्समुद्रेतुसेतुर्बद्धोयदृच्छया ।रामेणविस्मयःकोऽत्रयेवमेभयमागतम् ।।।।
dvidhā bhajyeyam apy evaṃ na namyaṃ tu kasyacit |
eṣa me sahajaḥ doṣaḥ svabhāvo duratikramaḥ ||
Even if I were split in two, I would not bow to anyone. This is my inborn flaw—my nature, hard to overcome.
"Rama has constructed a bridge by chance and because of that you are fearing what wonder is there in it?"
Dharma values humility and receptivity to wise counsel; Rāvaṇa admits a contrary disposition—unyielding pride—which becomes ethically and practically destructive.
In council, Rāvaṇa responds defiantly, rejecting the idea of bowing or yielding even when danger is imminent.
The verse highlights the absence of humility; it implicitly praises the virtue of namratā (humility) and the strength to correct one’s nature.