Study a Verse

• The objection may be raised that sometimes when experiencing a dream one actually remembers a previous dream.
• Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura replies that by the mystic power of jāti-smara one can remember one’s previous body, and as is well known, “The exception establishes the rule.”
• Normally, conditioned souls do not perceive their past existence; they think, “I am six years old” or “I am thirty years old,” and “previous to this birth I did not exist.”

The purport's own sentences, chosen from the purport as its central points. Read the full purport on Vedabase to see them in place.

Striving → Complete devotional trust. The Lord redirects Uddhava toward enduring loving service.

Chapters 21–29 of Canto 11: Spiritual practice culminating in bhakti-yoga. An editorial reading of the story's mood, not the text itself. See the emotional arc

Chapter 22: Enumeration of the Elements of Material Creation

From the chapter summary, the lines nearest this verse:

Nevertheless, on account of being totally absorbed in sense gratification, one cannot remember his past existence. The body undergoes nine stages of manifestation, which are brought about by association with the qualities of material nature.