Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.26.39
Sarga· CreationRecognizing Form Through Its Distinctive Qualities
“My dear mother, the characteristics of form are understood by dimension, quality and individuality. The form of fire is appreciated by its effulgence.”
What the purport teaches
- Every form has particular dimensions and characteristics. Dimension, quality and individuality help us understand form.
- An object’s quality is appreciated by its utility. Invisible forms can be understood by touch, while visible forms can be studied through their constitution.
- Salt is appreciated through salty taste, and sugar through sweet taste. Fire’s form is appreciated by its effulgence.
Try this today
Choose one everyday object and note its dimensions, distinctive qualities and usefulness.
Ask yourself
How much of your understanding of an object comes from qualities other than its appearance?
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.