Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 54
Kṛṣṇa’s Impending Departure; Uddhava’s Surrender; King Yadu and the Avadhūta’s Twenty-Four Gurus
Beginnings
कपोतौ स्नेहगुणितहृदयौ गृहधर्मिणौ । दृष्टिं दृष्ट्याङ्गमङ्गेन बुद्धिं बुद्ध्या बबन्धतु: ॥ ५४ ॥
kapotau sneha-guṇita- hṛdayau gṛha-dharmiṇau dṛṣṭiṁ dṛṣṭyāṅgam aṅgena buddhiṁ buddhyā babandhatuḥ
两只鸽子尽守家居之法；因情爱缠心，彼此为对方的目光、形体与心意所吸引，于是完全被爱恋所系缚。
The male and female pigeon were so attracted to each other that they could not tolerate even a moment’s separation from one another. This is called bhagavad-vismṛti, or forgetfulness of the Supreme Lord and attachment to dead matter. The living entity has an eternal love for the Lord, but when perverted, that love is manifested as false material affection. A pale reflection of actual pleasure thus becomes the foundation of a false life based on forgetfulness of the Absolute Truth.
FAQs
This verse describes how strong affection makes householders bind one another completely—through sight, body, and even intelligence—showing how attachment can become a source of bondage.
It is presented as an instructive example within the Avanti brāhmaṇa’s teachings, illustrating how excessive attachment leads to entanglement and suffering, thereby encouraging detachment and devotion.
Maintain loving relationships without losing inner independence—practice devotion, self-discipline, and remembrance of the Lord so that affection does not overpower discernment and spiritual priorities.