Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 8
Nondual Vision Beyond Praise and Blame
Dvandva-nivṛtti and Ātma-viveka
एतद् विद्वान् मदुदितं ज्ञानविज्ञाननैपुणम् । न निन्दति न च स्तौति लोके चरति सूर्यवत् ॥ ८ ॥
etad vidvān mad-uditaṁ jñāna-vijñāna-naipuṇam na nindati na ca stauti loke carati sūrya-vat
Celui qui a bien compris l’art du savoir et de la réalisation que J’ai exposé ne s’adonne ni au blâme ni à la louange matériels ; tel le soleil, il chemine librement dans ce monde.
Every living entity emanates from the Supreme Lord and is thus naturally full of realized knowledge. But when one becomes attached to praising or criticizing material good and bad for one’s personal sense gratification, one’s expert knowledge of the Lord becomes covered. A pure devotee should neither love nor hate any aspect of material illusion; he should rather accept whatever is favorable for serving Kṛṣṇa and reject whatever is unfavorable, following the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master.
FAQs
This verse says that one who has understood Kṛṣṇa’s teaching with both knowledge and realization neither blames nor flatters, but remains steady and impartial in worldly dealings.
In the Uddhava-gītā section, Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on the qualities of realized wisdom—showing how true spiritual understanding expresses itself as detachment and even-mindedness amid worldly dualities.
Practice responding rather than reacting: avoid impulsive criticism or praise for social gain, do your duty steadily, and remain consistent in character regardless of others’ opinions.