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February 2025

स्वभावो दुरतिक्रम:

By C. N. Vaze, Chartered Accountant
Reading Time 3 mins

One’s nature cannot be changed

This is a very commonly used ‘proverb’ in day-to-day parlance. It means that people are so obstinate that their nature cannot be changed. A situation may force them to change their opinion on a particular matter, but their basic nature cannot be changed.

It is adapted from Valmiki Ramayana. Readers would be aware of the broad story of Ramayana. Ravana, the King of demons, had kidnapped Seeta, Ram’s wife. Many people from Ravana’s family and other well-wishers advised him to release her since it was not ethical to kidnap anyone and keep her in one’s custody forcibly. They also apprehended that it would lead to a disaster and total extinguishment of Demons; especially Ravana’s family.

People who advised him included his brother Bibheeshana, his wife Mandodari, and his grandfather Malyavan. Even Kumbhakarna, Ravana’s brother, deplored him for this act. However, Ravana showed his helplessness. He was stubborn. He said: -

द्विधा भज्जेयमप्येवं न नमेयं तु कस्यचित् ! एष मे सहजो दोष: स्वभावो दुरतिक्रम: !!

Meaning: -

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