Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 45
Chapter 19
एत उद्धव ते प्रश्नाः सर्वे साधु निरूपिताः ।
किं वर्णितेन बहुना लक्षणं गुण-दोषयोः ॥
गुण-दोष-दृशिर्दोषो गुणस्तूभय-वर्जितः ॥
eta uddhava te praśnāḥ sarve sādhu nirūpitāḥ / kiṃ varṇitena bahunā lakṣaṇaṃ guṇa-doṣayoḥ / guṇa-doṣa-dṛśir doṣo guṇas tūbhaya-varjitaḥ //
Wahai Uddhava, semua pertanyaanmu telah dihuraikan dengan tepat. Apa gunanya memperpanjang bicara? Tanda kebajikan dan cela ialah ini: kecenderungan melihat ‘baik–buruk’ itu sendiri adalah cela; sedangkan kebaikan sejati ialah bebas daripada kedua-duanya.
In this verse, Śrī Kṛṣṇa concludes a section of instruction to Uddhava by pointing to a subtle but essential spiritual principle. Ordinary morality operates through dualistic judgment—this is good, that is bad—and such discernment is useful within worldly life and social dharma. Yet for one seeking the highest realization, fixation on dualities can become an obstacle. Kṛṣṇa indicates that the ultimate “guṇa” (true spiritual excellence) is transcendence: freedom from the binding reactions created by attachment and aversion. When the mind constantly classifies experiences as favorable or unfavorable, it strengthens identification with the body and mind and thus perpetuates saṁsāra. The “fault” is not practical discernment itself, but the egoic compulsion to live by polarity—praise/blame, gain/loss, pleasure/pain—thereby losing sight of the Self and the Supreme Lord who stands beyond material qualities. Thus, the verse guides the devotee toward sama-darśana (equal vision) grounded in bhakti and knowledge: to act responsibly in the world, yet inwardly remain steady, seeing Kṛṣṇa’s presence and purpose beyond the surface play of opposites. Such transcendence is not apathy; it is purified consciousness that no longer becomes entangled in material guṇas, and therefore becomes fit for liberation and pure devotion.
FAQs
Bhagavatam 11.19.45 teaches that the obsessive habit of judging everything as “good” or “bad” is itself a defect, and that the higher virtue is to become free from both dualities through transcendental realization.
Kṛṣṇa was concluding His answers to Uddhava’s questions and directing him from detailed analysis toward the essence: liberation comes by rising above material dualities and resting in spiritual steadiness and devotion.
Do your duties ethically, but reduce inner attachment to outcomes—practice steady remembrance of God, accept praise and blame with balance, and avoid compulsive mental labeling that fuels anxiety and resentment.