Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.22.29
Mukti· LiberationSee Beyond the Outward Covering
“Only because of different causes does a person see a difference between himself and others, just as one sees the reflection of a body appearing differently manifested on water, on oil or in a mirror.”
What the purport teaches
- The jīvas are vibhinnāṁśa expansions of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, while His incarnations are svāṁśa expansions. These are different expansions of the same Supreme Lord.
- Different bodies make living entities appear different, just as water, oil and a mirror reflect one subject differently. One who is actually learned sees the living entity, not the outward covering.
- By practicing bhakti-yoga, one reaches the stage of seeing only Kṛṣṇa everywhere. Those who understand themselves as servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead do not divide people by bodily designations.
Try this today
When meeting someone today, consciously look beyond their bodily appearance and remember that they too are a living entity belonging to the Supreme Lord.
Ask yourself
How would seeing someone as a servant of the Supreme Lord change my attitude toward them?
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.