Shloka 34
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
गुणाधिकान्मुदं लिप्सेदनुक्रोशं गुणाधमात् । मैत्रीं समानादन्विच्छेन्न तापैरभिभूयते ॥ ३४ ॥
guṇādhikān mudaṁ lipsed anukrośaṁ guṇādhamāt maitrīṁ samānād anvicchen na tāpair abhibhūyate
On meeting one more qualified, one should rejoice; toward one less qualified, show compassion; and with an equal, cultivate friendship. Thus one is not overcome by the threefold miseries of the material world.
Generally when we find someone more qualified than ourselves, we become envious of him; when we find someone less qualified, we deride him; and when we find someone equal we become very proud of our activities. These are the causes of all material tribulations. The great sage Nārada therefore advised that a devotee should act perfectly. Instead of being envious of a more qualified man, one should be jolly to receive him. Instead of being oppressive to a less qualified man, one should be compassionate toward him just to raise him to the proper standard. And when one meets an equal, instead of being proud of one’s own activities before him, one should treat him as a friend. One should also have compassion for the people in general, who are suffering due to forgetfulness of Kṛṣṇa. These important functions will make one happy within this material world.
FAQs
This verse teaches a threefold ethic: seek joy and upliftment from the virtuous, show compassion to those less developed, and maintain friendship with equals—thus one avoids being consumed by worldly misery.
Dhruva was burning with grief and anger after being insulted; Suniti counseled him in dharmic conduct—responding to people according to their character—so his heart would not be overpowered by suffering and agitation.
Learn from those who are wiser, be kind to those struggling or immature, and build supportive friendships with peers—this reduces resentment, stress, and the inner ‘heat’ created by ego and conflict.