Shloka 39
Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form
यथा पुत्राच्च वित्ताच्च पृथङ्मर्त्य: प्रतीयते । अप्यात्मत्वेनाभिमताद्देहादे: पुरुषस्तथा ॥ ३९ ॥
yathā putrāc ca vittāc ca pṛthaṅ martyaḥ pratīyate apy ātmatvenābhimatād dehādeḥ puruṣas tathā
जैसे पुत्र और धन से भिन्न होकर भी मर्त्य उन्हें ‘मेरा’ मान लेता है, वैसे ही देह आदि को ‘मैं’ मानता है; परन्तु जैसे वह समझ सकता है कि पुत्र-धन उससे अलग हैं, वैसे ही मुक्त आत्मा जान लेती है कि वह और उसका देह एक नहीं हैं।
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.
FAQs
This verse states that the conscious person (puruṣa/ātman) is distinct from the body and related coverings, though people mistakenly accept the body as the self.
Kapila is guiding Devahūti in bhakti-yoga and self-realization; recognizing the soul as different from body, mind, and possessions is essential for genuine devotion and liberation.
Treat body, roles, and possessions as responsibilities rather than identity—cultivate remembrance of the self as conscious servant of the Lord, which supports steadiness, humility, and detachment.