Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.20.19
Mukti· LiberationFalse Ego Covers Pure Consciousness
“During the rainy season the moon was prevented from appearing directly by the covering of the clouds, which were themselves illumined by the moon’s rays. Similarly, the living being in material existence is prevented from appearing directly by the covering of the false ego, which is itself illumined by the consciousness of the pure soul.”
What the purport teaches
- Clouds hide the moon even though the moon’s own rays illuminate them. Similarly, false ego covers the soul while being illuminated by the soul’s consciousness.
- False ego means falsely identifying with the material world and material body. It dulls consciousness and prevents direct perception of the soul and God.
- Our original, pure consciousness is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, fully enlightened and blissful. The apparent knowledge and pleasure of material consciousness are only a filtered reflection of that original consciousness.
Try this today
Pause once today when thinking about your body or material position, and recall the distinction between the soul’s consciousness and false ego.
Ask yourself
When do I mistake identification with my body or material affairs for my true self?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.