इच्छाद्वेषसमुत्थेन द्वन्द्वमोहेन भारत। सर्वभूतानि सम्मोहं सर्गे यान्ति परन्तप॥
ichchhā-dveṣha-samutthena dvandva-mohena bhārata sarva-bhūtāni sammohaṁ sarge yānti parantapa
Meaning
O Arjuna, all beings are born into delusion, overcome by the dualities of desire and aversion.
From birth, we're trapped in the opposites of wanting and not-wanting. Every like creates a dislike; every desire creates a fear. This duality-delusion is universal — no one escapes it at first. Knowing this creates compassion for yourself and others. We're all working through the same fundamental confusion.
Strength Reflection
"I recognize how desire and aversion create my suffering, and I practice moving beyond them."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, free me from the prison of likes and dislikes. Lead me to equanimity beyond opposites.