Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 31
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
इत्यक्षरतयात्मानं चिन्मात्रमवशेषितम् । ज्ञात्वाद्वयोऽथ विरमेद् दग्धयोनिरिवानल: ॥ ३१ ॥
ity akṣaratayātmānaṁ cin-mātram avaśeṣitam jñātvādvayo ’tha viramed dagdha-yonir ivānalaḥ
Thus, when all material designations have merged into their respective elements, one should know that the imperishable self remains—pure consciousness alone. Realizing oneself to be nondual and equal in quality to the Supreme, the jīva should cease from material existence, as a flame subsides when the wood in which it burns is consumed.
Thus end the Bhaktivedanta purports of the Seventh Canto, Twelfth Chapter, of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, entitled “The Perfect Society: Four Spiritual Classes.”
FAQs
It teaches that when one realizes the imperishable self as pure consciousness, one understands the nondual truth (advaya) and naturally ceases material attachment.
Because just as fire stops when its fuel is exhausted, a realized person’s worldly impulses fade when ignorance and material identification are destroyed by true knowledge.
Practice steady self-inquiry and devotional remembrance so that identity shifts from temporary roles to the imperishable self; with that clarity, cravings and distractions weaken on their own.