Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.26.14
Sarga· CreationConsciousness Belongs to the Soul
“The internal, subtle senses are experienced as having four aspects, in the shape of mind, intelligence, ego and contaminated consciousness. Distinctions between them can be made only by different functions, since they represent different characteristics.”
What the purport teaches
- The internal, subtle senses have four aspects: mind, intelligence, ego and contaminated consciousness. They are distinguished by their functions and characteristics.
- When consciousness is materially polluted and identification with the body becomes prominent, one is situated under false ego.
- Consciousness is the function of the soul, so behind consciousness there is soul. Consciousness polluted by material contamination is called ahaṅkāra.
Try this today
When a bodily concern arises today, pause and recall that consciousness belongs to the soul, while bodily identification marks false ego.
Ask yourself
When do I most strongly identify myself with my body?
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.