Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 10
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
कल्पयित्वात्मना यावदाभासमिदमीश्वर: । द्वैतं तावन्न विरमेत्ततो ह्यस्य विपर्यय: ॥ १० ॥
kalpayitvātmanā yāvad ābhāsam idam īśvaraḥ dvaitaṁ tāvan na viramet tato hy asya viparyayaḥ
Hangga't ang isang nilalang ay hindi ganap na nakakaunawa sa sarili—hangga't hindi siya malaya sa maling pagkakakilanlan sa kanyang katawan—hindi siya makakalaya sa konsepto ng dualidad. Kaya't may malaking pagkakataon na siya ay mahulog dahil ang kanyang katalinuhan ay nalilito.
Here is another important warning that a man must save himself from attraction to woman. Until one is self-realized, fully independent of the illusory conception of the material body, the duality of man and woman must undoubtedly continue, but when one is actually self-realized this distinction ceases.
FAQs
This verse says duality persists as long as the Lord’s projected appearance of the world is taken as ultimate; from that perception arises viparyaya—misconception about the self and reality.
Prahlāda is instructing civilized conduct and spiritual clarity, explaining that material life is fueled by mistaken perception—seeing the temporary manifestation as separate from the Lord and the self.
Treat experiences as temporary appearances and anchor identity in devotion to the Supreme; this reduces “mine vs. yours” thinking and the confusion that drives anxiety and conflict.