All relationships and affections are worthy of regard only through devotion to Rama, who alone is the true friend and worthy of service. What use is the kohl that blinds the eye itself—how much more can I say?

In this thoughtful couplet, Sant Tulsidas reflects on the true value of relationships. He reminds us that all love, friendship, and respect are genuinely meaningful only when connected to the divine and to truth. If an attachment pulls us away from goodness, it loses its purpose. He uses a striking metaphor, asking what good is applying kohl to your eyes if it ends up blinding you? Something meant to protect and beautify you should never cause you harm. In simple words, we should cherish connections that uplift our soul and nurture our inner light, while letting go of ties that blind us to what is right.