Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 4.28.17
Ūti· What drives us to act“I” and “Mine” Continue Material Bondage
“King Purañjana was overly attached to his family and conceptions of “I” and “mine.” Because he was overly attracted to his wife, he was already quite poverty-stricken. At the time of separation, he became very sorry.”
What the purport teaches
- Purañjana's attachment to family and ideas of “I” and “mine” made separation deeply painful. Thoughts of material enjoyment did not disappear at death.
- The subtle body consists of mind, intelligence and ego. It makes plans for enjoyment, while the gross body serves as the instrument for carrying them out.
- Continued mental activity obliges the living entity to accept another gross body. Strong family attachment may occupy a dying person's thoughts without any knowledge of his next destination.
Try this today
Notice one possessive thought today and write down the expectation of enjoyment behind it.
Ask yourself
Where do I notice “I” and “mine” shaping my plans for enjoyment?
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.