Live Caitanya Caritamrta · CC Madhya 6.173
Bodily Identification Is Illusion; Creation Is Temporary
“The theory of illusion can be applied only when the living entity identifies himself with the body. As far as the cosmic manifestation is concerned, it cannot be called false, although it is certainly temporary.
What the purport teaches
- The living entity is the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa and, as His part and parcel, is constitutionally pure. Identifying with the gross or subtle material body is false.
- The living entity is eternal, unlike the gross and subtle bodies, which are limited by time.
- The cosmic manifestation is the Lord’s material energy and is temporary, not false. Treating it as a field for one’s own sense enjoyment is illusory.
Try this today
Pause once today and reflect: “I am the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa, not this temporary body.”
Ask yourself
When do I most readily mistake my temporary body for my eternal self?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport; the practice and question are plain words for trying the verse today.