Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.28.17
Mukti· LiberationCut False Identification With Spiritual Knowledge
“Although the false ego has no factual basis, it is perceived in many forms — as the functions of the mind, speech, life air and bodily faculties. But with the sword of transcendental knowledge, sharpened by worship of a bona fide spiritual master, a sober sage will cut off this false identification and live in this world free from all material attachment.”
What the purport teaches
- False ego has no factual basis, yet appears through the functions of mind, speech, life air and body.
- Under its influence, the pure soul accepts a material covering as his ultimate self. This false identity can take many forms, such as a great man, a beautiful lady or an oppressed worker.
- Transcendental knowledge is like a sword sharpened by worship of a bona fide spiritual master. With it, a sober sage cuts false identification and lives free from material attachment.
Try this today
Write down one bodily or social identity you strongly hold, and reflect that this material covering is not your ultimate self.
Ask yourself
Which material identity do I tend to accept as my ultimate 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.