We Are Not These Bodies 13

bhogaisvarya-prasaktanam
tayapahrta-cetasam

vyavsayatmika buddhih
samadhau na vidhiya te

traigunya-visaya veda
nistraigunyo bhavarjuna

nirdvandvo nitya-sattva-stho
niryoga-ksema atmavan

“In the minds of those who are too attached to
sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are
bewildered by such things, the resolute determination
for devotional service to the Supreme Lord does not
take place. The Vedas deal with the subject of the
three modes of material nature. Rise above these
modes, O Arjuna. Be transcendental to all of them.
Be free from all dualities and from all anxieties for
gain and safety, and be established in the Self.’’ (Bg.
2.44-45)

The word veda means book of knowledge There
are many books of knowledge which vary according
to the country, population, environment, etc. In India,
the books of knowledge are referred to as the Vedas.
In the West, they are called the Old Testament and
New Testament. The Mohammedans accept the
Koran. What is the purpose for all these books of
knowledge? They are to train us to understand our
position as pure soul. Their purpose is to restrict
bodily activities by certain rules and regulations, and
these rules and regulations are known as codes of
morality. The Bible, for instance, has ten command-
