Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 11.9.25
Mukti· LiberationMaintain the Body Without Attachment
“The material body is also my spiritual master because it teaches me detachment. Being subject to creation and destruction, it always comes to a painful end. Thus, although using my body to acquire knowledge, I always remember that it will ultimately be consumed by others, and remaining detached, I move about this world.”
What the purport teaches
- The body teaches detachment because it is subject to creation, destruction and a painful end. Though useful for acquiring knowledge, it will ultimately be consumed by others.
- One should carefully maintain bodily health to execute Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but without undue affection or attachment.
- Studying the body’s birth and death develops the intelligence to detach oneself from useless things. One should become convinced of the truths of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Try this today
Take one simple step to maintain your health today, remembering that its purpose is to support Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Ask yourself
How can you care for your body as a means of practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness rather than an object of attachment?
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.