Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 2.10.18
Sarga· CreationTaste Reveals Three Interdependent Categories
“From the mouth the palate became manifested, and thereupon the tongue was also generated. After this all the different tastes came into existence so that the tongue can relish them.”
What the purport teaches
- The palate appeared from the mouth, followed by the tongue and the different tastes. This gradual development also indicates the appearance of the controlling deity.
- Varuṇa is the controlling deity of relishable juices. His appearance is therefore understood alongside the development of the tongue.
- The tongue and palate are material instruments, or adhibhūtam; the functioning deity is adhidaiva. The person experiencing the function is adhyātma.
Try this today
When tasting something today, briefly recall the three categories: the tongue and palate, Varuṇa, and the person experiencing the taste.
Ask yourself
How does distinguishing the instrument, controller and experiencer deepen my understanding of tasting?
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.