Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.8.47
—
Los Angeles, May 9, 1973
This question was raised by Arjuna also, that "I understand that I am not this body and my grandfather is not this body. Still, I am affected when my body or my grandfather is in danger." So what Kṛṣṇa advised? Kṛṣṇa advised, "Yes, that affection is possible." I know that I am not this body. Theoretically or... But if somebody comes to cut my body, I will be very much protective. Although I know... I cannot feel that "I am not this body; let the body be cut off. I don't mind." No. Then Kṛṣṇa said that this position... Āgamāpāyinaḥ anityās tāṁs titikṣasva bhārata. Mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya śītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ [Bg. 2.14]. "These temporary happiness and distress which come and go like seasonal changes..."
Seasonal changes. Just like there is summer season, there is winter season. So sometimes it is very cold, sometimes it is very warm. And how these feelings are appreciated? Due to this body. The water is the same, but in summer season water is very pleasing to take bath. The same water is very troublesome to take bath in winter season. So according to the changes of the season and according to the affection of this material body, we are feeling pains and pleasure. Otherwise there is no pains and pleasure. Asaṅgo 'yaṁ puruṣaḥ. Ātmā, real spirit soul... Just like our scientist was asking whether soul is dependent on the matter. No. Soul is independent. Asaṅgo 'yaṁ puruṣaḥ. That is the Vedic instruction. It is never affected. Although therefore it requires knowledge. It requires knowledge. Mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya [Bg. 2.14]. Our pains and pleasure we feel on account of this skin, mātrā-sparśāḥ. So we should not deviate from the duty. Even there are pains and pleasure due to this body, we should not deviate from our duty. That is the instruction of the śāstra. It is not that because it is very, I am feeling very much cold, I shall not take my bath. No.
That's my duty. I must take. And because I am feeling very hot, therefore I shall not go to the kitchen. There shall be no cooking today. No, that is not possible. Cooking must go on. Similarly, despite all difficulties, all inconveniences on account of this false body, one must do his duty. And that was the instruction to be given to Mahārāja Yudhiṣṭhira.
So that is applicable in every field of life, that we must chalk out what is our duty. And it must go on in any condition. It doesn't matter I am feeling pain or pleasure. That is the instruction.
Thank you very much. (end)