Shloka 23
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
द्विषत: परकाये मां मानिनो भिन्नदर्शिन: । भूतेषु बद्धवैरस्य न मन: शान्तिमृच्छति ॥ २३ ॥
dviṣataḥ para-kāye māṁ mānino bhinna-darśinaḥ bhūteṣu baddha-vairasya na manaḥ śāntim ṛcchati
One may honor Me, yet if he envies and hates the bodies of others and sees separation, he never attains peace of mind, for he is bound in enmity toward living beings.
In this verse, two phrases — bhūteṣu baddha-vairasya (“inimical towards others”) and dviṣataḥ para-kāye (“envious of another’s body”) — are significant. One who is envious of or inimical towards others never experiences any happiness. A devotee’s vision, therefore, must be perfect. He should ignore bodily distinctions and should see only the presence of the part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, and the Lord Himself in His plenary expansion as Supersoul. That is the vision of a pure devotee. The bodily expression of a particular type of living entity is always ignored by the devotee.
FAQs
This verse teaches that envy, pride, and seeing the Lord as separate from oneself (divided vision) bind one in hostility toward beings, and such a mind cannot attain peace.
Kapila instructs Devahuti on pure devotional service, emphasizing that devotion requires non-envious vision and respect for all beings, since the Lord is present as the indwelling Supersoul.
Reduce envy and “us vs. them” thinking by practicing humility, compassion, and seeing the divine presence in others—this directly supports mental peace and steady devotion.