SB 3.28.39

Srimad-Bhagavatam - Third Canto - Chapter 28: Kapila's Instructions on the Execution of Devotional Service

SB 3.28.38 - SB 3.28.40

His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

TEXT 39

yathā putrāc ca vittāc ca

pṛthaṅ martyaḥ pratīyate

apy ātmatvenābhimatād

dehādeḥ puruṣas tathā

SYNONYMS

yathā — as; putrāt — from a son; ca — and; vittāt — from wealth; ca — also; pṛthak — differently; martyaḥ — a mortal man; pratīyate — is understood; api — even; ātmatvena — by nature; abhimatāt — for which one has affection; deha-ādeḥ — from his material body, senses and mind; puruṣaḥ — the liberated soul; tathā — similarly.

TRANSLATION

Because of great affection for family and wealth, one accepts a son and some money as his own, and due to affection for the material body, one thinks that it is his. But actually, as one can understand that his family and wealth are different from him, the liberated soul can understand that he and his body are not the same.

PURPORT

The status of real knowledge is explained in this verse. There are many children, but we accept some children as our sons and daughters because of our affection for them, although we know very well that these children are different from us. Similarly, because of great affection for money, we accept some amount of wealth in the bank as ours. In the same way, we claim that the body is ours because of affection for it. I say that it is "my" body. I then extend that possessive concept and say, "It is my hand, my leg," and further, "It is my bank balance, my son, my daughter." But actually I know that the son and the money are separate from me. It is the same with the body; I am separate from my body. It is a question of understanding, and the proper understanding is called pratibuddha. By obtaining knowledge in devotional service, or Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can become a liberated soul.

SB 3.28.38 - SB 3.28.40