Spiritualizing the Body, Mind and Intelligence for Liberation
The Vedic wisdom imparted by Srila Prabhupada clarifies the fundamental distinction between the self and its coverings. The living entity is entrapped by two layers of material energy: the gross body made of earth, water, fire, air, and ether, and the subtle body composed of mind, intelligence, and false ego. While modern science focuses primarily on the gross anatomical structure, the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness reveals the critical role of the subtle body in binding the soul to the cycle of birth and death.
The Subtle Mechanism of Transmigration
The subtle body serves as the vehicle for the soul's journey. Although the gross body is discarded at death, the plans, desires, and conceptions stored in the mind and intelligence remain. These subtle elements carry the living entity to a new material form, just as the air carries aromas. Srila Prabhupada explains that the root of our material existence is this subtle body; as long as one identifies with the mind and intelligence, one must accept a gross body to fulfill material desires.
- At death the process of changing bodies takes place due to the subtle body; the mind, intelligence and ego carry the soul from one gross body to another. This is called transmigration of the soul.
- The living entity is bound by the subtle body, consisting of the mind, intelligence and false ego. At the time of death, therefore, the position of the mind becomes the cause for the next body.
- When the gross body is lost, or when it dies, the root of the gross body - the mind, intelligence and ego - continues and brings about another gross body.
- Although the gross bodies apparently change, the real root of the gross body - the subtle body of mind, intelligence and ego - is always there.
Defining the Liberated Soul
Liberation does not necessarily require the immediate cessation of activity or the destruction of the body. Srila Prabhupada emphasizes that a person can be liberated even within this material world if their activities are perfectly aligned with the will of the Supreme. When the body, mind, intelligence, and words are utilized solely for the service of Kṛṣṇa, the material quality of these elements is transformed. This active engagement in devotional service is the symptom of a jīvan-mukta, one who is liberated even while living.
- A person acting in KC (or, in other words, in the service of Krsna) with his body, mind, intelligence and words is a liberated person even within the material world.
- One who acts to serve Krsna with his body, mind, intelligence and words is a liberated person, even within this material world.
- Logically, both the body, mind, intelligence and myself, everything should be engaged for Krsna's interest. That is real knowledge.
Purification through Service
The process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is one of gradual purification. By hearing from authoritative sources and submitting oneself to the Lord, the mind and intelligence become cleansed of material contamination. Srila Prabhupada notes that while we currently possess material bodies, minds, and intelligence, these can be spiritualized. When the intelligence is fixed on the Supreme Lord, the mind and senses naturally follow, leading to a state of complete spiritual absorption beyond the influence of the modes of nature.
- We work not with our body, actually, but with our mind and intelligence. So if the intelligence and the mind are always engaged in the thought of the Supreme Lord, then naturally the senses are also engaged in His service.
- So in the devotional service the first step is hearing, hearing submissively from the authoritative source and just to assimilate it and grasp it with our body, mind and intelligence.
- At present we have contacted a material body, material mind and material intelligence, but when we become free from these material conditions, our spiritual body, spiritual mind and spiritual intelligence become manifest.
- While living in this gross body, we have to educate our subtle body in such a way that it becomes spiritualized completely.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the goal of human life is to transcend the dictates of the subtle and gross bodies and re-establish the soul's eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa. By understanding that we are neither the biological machine nor the psychological subtle body, we can detach ourselves from temporary designations. Utilizing our current equipment—however conditioned it may be—in the service of the Lord is the practical means to dissolve the subtle body and attain our original spiritual form.
Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Srila Prabhupada lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Body, Mind and Intelligence. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Srila Prabhupada's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.