Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, 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
正如凡人因深情于子与财而将其认作“我的”，虽它们与己有别；同样地，他因执著于物质之身而以身为“我”。然而如能明了子与财不同于己，解脱之灵亦能明了自身与其身体并非一体。
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.