Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 10.3.18
Mukti· LiberationBody and Soul Are the Lord’s Energies
“One who considers his visible body, which is a product of the three modes of nature, to be independent of the soul is unaware of the basis of existence, and therefore he is a rascal. Those who are learned have rejected this conclusion because one can understand through full discussion that with no basis in soul, the visible body and senses would be insubstantial. Nonetheless, although his conclusion has been rejected, a foolish person considers it a reality.”
What the purport teaches
- The body cannot exist as a living body without the spirit soul. The purport rejects the idea that life is merely a combination of chemicals.
- Both body and soul are energies of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Neither is false, because both come from the supreme reality.
- The body is temporary and less important than the soul, but it should not be rejected as false or accepted as everything. Being fully situated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness avoids both mistakes.
Try this today
Use your voice today to read these teachings aloud as a small act of devotional service.
Ask yourself
How can I value my body as the Lord’s energy without making it the center of my life?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.