Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.28.5
Mukti· LiberationShelter in the Lord Ends Fear
“Although shadows, echoes and mirages are only illusory reflections of real things, such reflections do cause a semblance of meaningful or comprehensible perception. In the same way, although the identification of the conditioned soul with the material body, mind and ego is illusory, this identification generates fear within him even up to the moment of death.”
What the purport teaches
- Shadows, echoes and mirages can produce strong emotions when mistaken for reality. Illusory perceptions can therefore have powerful emotional effects.
- Identifying oneself with the material body, mind and false ego produces fear, lust, anger and hope. This mistaken identification generates fear even up to death.
- Our emotions should ultimately be absorbed in the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the eternal truth. Taking shelter of His lotus feet vanquishes fear and allows the pure emotions of liberated life.
Try this today
When fear arises today, pause and offer a brief prayer for shelter at the Lord’s lotus feet.
Ask yourself
How does identifying with my body or mind shape a fear I am experiencing?
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.