Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
कल्पयित्वात्मना यावदाभासमिदमीश्वर: । द्वैतं तावन्न विरमेत्ततो ह्यस्य विपर्यय: ॥ १० ॥
kalpayitvātmanā yāvad ābhāsam idam īśvaraḥ dvaitaṁ tāvan na viramet tato hy asya viparyayaḥ
Solange ein Lebewesen nicht vollständig selbstverwirklicht ist – solange es sich fälschlicherweise mit seinem Körper identifiziert – kann es nicht von der Vorstellung der Dualität befreit werden. Daher besteht jede Chance, dass es fällt, weil seine Intelligenz verwirrt ist.
Here is another important warning that a man must save himself from attraction to woman. Until one is self-realized, fully independent of the illusory conception of the material body, the duality of man and woman must undoubtedly continue, but when one is actually self-realized this distinction ceases.
FAQs
This verse says duality persists as long as the Lord’s projected appearance of the world is taken as ultimate; from that perception arises viparyaya—misconception about the self and reality.
Prahlāda is instructing civilized conduct and spiritual clarity, explaining that material life is fueled by mistaken perception—seeing the temporary manifestation as separate from the Lord and the self.
Treat experiences as temporary appearances and anchor identity in devotion to the Supreme; this reduces “mine vs. yours” thinking and the confusion that drives anxiety and conflict.