Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.26.61
Sarga· CreationPurify Consciousness Through Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa
“After the mind, the moon appeared. Intelligence appeared next, and after intelligence, Lord Brahmā appeared. Then the false ego appeared and then Lord Śiva, and after the appearance of Lord Śiva came consciousness and the deity presiding over consciousness.”
What the purport teaches
- The moon presides over the mind, Lord Brahmā over intelligence, and Lord Śiva over false ego. The purport associates them respectively with goodness, passion, and ignorance.
- False ego means identifying the body with the self. Chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa clears the consciousness, allowing one to understand one’s real identity and become free from false ego.
- As consciousness and intelligence become purified, the mind becomes engaged upon the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The goal is service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Lord, rather than material advancement.
Try this today
Set aside one quiet minute today to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa attentively, seeking purification of consciousness and service to the Supreme Lord.
Ask yourself
When do I mistake my body for my whole identity, and how could chanting help redirect my attention?
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.