Shloka 26
Bhakti Yoga: The Three Modes of Devotion, Non-Envy, and Time as the Lord
आत्मनश्च परस्यापि य: करोत्यन्तरोदरम् । तस्य भिन्नदृशो मृत्युर्विदधे भयमुल्बणम् ॥ २६ ॥
ātmanaś ca parasyāpi yaḥ karoty antarodaram tasya bhinna-dṛśo mṛtyur vidadhe bhayam ulbaṇam
Whoever, by a divisive outlook, makes even the slightest distinction between himself and other living beings—I become for him the blazing fire of death and bring about terrible fear.
There are bodily differentiations among all varieties of living entities, but a devotee should not distinguish between one living entity and another on such a basis; a devotee’s outlook should be that both the soul and Supersoul are equally present in all varieties of living entities.
FAQs
This verse says that creating separation between oneself and others is “divided vision,” and it leads to intense fear—especially the fear associated with death.
Kapila is teaching Devahuti the inner foundations of bhakti: when one abandons a fragmented, ego-centered outlook and cultivates spiritual vision, fear diminishes and devotion becomes steady.
Reduce “us vs. them” thinking by practicing compassion and humility, and see every being as connected to the Supreme; this softens anxiety and strengthens devotional consciousness.