Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 7.15.37
Mukti· LiberationKnow the Soul Beyond the Body
“Sannyāsīs who first consider that the body is subject to death, when it will be transformed into stool, worms or ashes, but who again give importance to the body and glorify it as the self, are to be considered the greatest rascals.”
What the purport teaches
- A sannyāsī should clearly understand that the self is the soul, not the temporary body. Returning to bodily identification contradicts that understanding.
- One who no longer laments or hankers and recognizes all living entities as spirit souls can enter devotional service to the Lord. Merely claiming to be Brahman or Nārāyaṇa without this understanding leads to a fall.
- The purport rejects identifying Brahman or Nārāyaṇa with a material body. Spiritual understanding is not established by bodily wealth, poverty, or social position.
Try this today
When meeting someone today, consciously remember that this person is a spirit soul, not merely a body.
Ask yourself
How often do I judge myself or others mainly by the body or social position?
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.