A maha-bhagavata, being learned and advanced in spiritual consciousness, sees no difference between a tiger, an elephant or a learned scholar. The test of advanced spiritual consciousness is that one becomes fearless. He envies no one, and he is always engaged in the Lord's service. He sees every living entity as an eternal part and parcel of the Lord, rendering service according to his capacity by the will of the Supreme Lord. As Bhagavad-gita confirms:

The maha-bhagavata knows that Krsna is in everyone's heart. Krsna is dictating, and the living entity is following His dictations. Krsna is within the heart of the tiger, elephant and boar. Therefore Krsna tells them, "Here is a maha-bhagavata. Please do not disturb him." Why, then, should the animals be envious of such a great personality? Those who are neophytes or even a little progressed in devotional service should not try to imitate the maha-bhagavata. Rather, they should only follow in their footsteps. The word anukara means "imitating," and anusara means "trying to follow in the footsteps." We should not try to imitate the activities of a maha-bhagavata or Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Our best efforts should be exerted in trying to follow them according to our ability. The maha-bhagavata's heart is completely freed from material contamination, and he can become very dear even to fierce animals like tigers and elephants. Indeed, the maha-bhagavata treats them as his very intimate friends. On this platform there is no question of envy. When the Lord was passing through the forest, He was in ecstasy, thinking the forest to be Vrndavana. He was simply searching for Krsna.