Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 24
Nondual Vision Beyond Praise and Blame
Dvandva-nivṛtti and Ātma-viveka
नात्मा वपु: पार्थिवमिन्द्रियाणि देवा ह्यसुर्वायुर्जलम् हुताश: । मनोऽन्नमात्रं धिषणा च सत्त्व- महङ्कृति: खं क्षितिरर्थसाम्यम् ॥ २४ ॥
nātmā vapuḥ pārthivam indriyāṇi devā hy asur vāyur jalam hutāśaḥ mano ’nna-mātraṁ dhiṣaṇā ca sattvam ahaṅkṛtiḥ khaṁ kṣitir artha-sāmyam
Le corps matériel fait de terre n’est pas le vrai soi; ni les sens, ni leurs divinités tutélaires, ni le prāṇa-vāyu; ni l’air extérieur, l’eau ou le feu; ni le mental. Tout cela n’est que matière. De même, ni l’intelligence, ni la conscience matérielle, ni le faux ego; ni l’éther ou la terre; ni les objets de perception; pas même l’état primordial d’équilibre de la nature matérielle ne peuvent être tenus pour l’identité réelle de l’âme.
FAQs
In 11.28.24, Krishna explains that the ātmā is not the earth-made body, senses, mind, intelligence, false ego, or even the elements and guṇas; the Self is distinct from all material constituents.
Krishna is giving Uddhava final, liberating instruction (Uddhava Gita), guiding him to transcend identification with the body-mind complex and attain steady self-realization and devotion.
Use this verse to reduce anxiety and ego: observe body, senses, thoughts, and roles as changing material factors, and cultivate the stance of the witnessing Self while anchoring life in devotion and dharma.