1154 Srimad-Bhagavatam [Canto 3, Ch. 27

knowable and knowledge, are amalgamated or merged into one. The very
concept that the three merge into one is another form of knowledge, and
since the perceiver of the knowledge still exists, how can one say that the
knower, knowledge and knowable have become one? The individual soul
who is perceiving this knowledge still remains an individual. Both in
material existence and in spiritual existence the individuality continues;
the only difference is in the quality of the identity. In the material
identity, the false ego acts, and because of false identification, one takes
things to be different from what they actually are. That is the basic
principle of conditional life. Similarly, when the false ego is purified, one
takes everything in the right perspective. That is the state of liberation.

It is stated in the [gopanisad that everything belongs to the Lord.
Isavasyam idarn sarvam. Everything exists on the energy of the Supreme
Lord. This is also confirmed in Bhagavad-gita. Because everything is
produced of His energy and exists on His energy, the energy is not
different from Him—but still the Lord declares, ‘‘I am not there.” When
one clearly understands one’s constitutional position, everything becomes
manifest. False egoistic acceptance of things conditions one, whereas
acceptance of things as they are makes one liberated. The example given
in the previous verse is applicable here: due to absorption of one’s identity
in his money, when the money is lost he thinks that he is also lost. But
actually he is not identical with the money, nor does the money belong to
him. When the actual situation is revealed, we understand that the money
does not belong to any individual person or living entity, nor is it
produced by man. Ultimately the money is the property of the Supreme
Lord, and there is no question of its being lost. But as long as one falsely
thinks, “I am the enjoyer,” or “I am the Lord,” this concept of life
continues, and one remains conditioned. As soon as this false ego is
eliminated, one is liberated. As confirmed in the Bhagavatam, situation in
one’s real constitutional position is called mukti, or liberation.

TEXT 17
TaRARATT

get wafttan figeata afefaq |
HAMAUNATA TS PeeAATT: TAT I L911

devahitir uvdca
purusam prakrtir brahman
na vimuficati karhicit
