Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.28.18
Āśraya· The supreme shelterDistinguish Spirit From Matter
“Real spiritual knowledge is based on the discrimination of spirit from matter, and it is cultivated by scriptural evidence, austerity, direct perception, reception of the Purāṇas’ historical narrations, and logical inference. The Absolute Truth, which alone was present before the creation of the universe and which alone will remain after its destruction, is also the time factor and the ultimate cause. Even in the middle stage of this creation’s existence, the Absolute Truth alone is the actual reality.”
What the purport teaches
- Real spiritual knowledge distinguishes spirit from matter. It is cultivated through scripture, austerity, direct perception, the Purāṇas’ historical narrations and logical inference.
- The Absolute Truth alone is the actual reality before creation, during its existence and after its destruction. It is also the time factor and ultimate cause.
- Material cause and effect unfold entirely within time. This time factor manifests the Supersoul, the form of the Supreme Lord that pervades and supports the universe.
Try this today
Reread this translation slowly and write one sentence explaining the difference between changing material events and the enduring Absolute Truth.
Ask yourself
How can I make better use of scripture to distinguish spirit from matter?
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.