Nigama-kalpa-taru

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According to Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas, Srimad-bhagavatam embodies

the essence of Vedanta. This fact is clearly demonstrated in three

consecutive verses of the seventh canto (7.15.4-42). Respectively,

these (following) Bhagavata verses paraphrase or restate Brhadaranyakopanisad

4.4.12, Kathopanisad 3.3, and Mundakopanisad 2.2.4:

 

7.15.40:

"The human form of body is meant for understanding the self and the

Supreme Self, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, both of whom are

transcendentally situated. If both of them can be understood when one is

purified by advanced knowledge, for what reason and for whom does a

foolish, greedy person maintain the body for sense gratification?"

 

7.15.41:

"Transcendentalists who are advanced in knowledge compare the body,

which is made by the order of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, to a

chariot. The senses are like the horses; the mind, the master of the

senses, is like the reins; the objects of the senses are the destinations;

intelligence is the chariot driver; and consciousness, which spreads

throughout the body, is the cause of bondage in this material world."

 

7.15.42:

"The ten kinds of air acting within the body are compared to the

spokes of the chariots wheels, and the top and bottom of the wheel itself

are called religion and irreligion. The living entity in the bodily concept

of life is the owner of the chariot. The Vedic mantra pranava is the bow,

the pure living entity himself is the arrow, and the target is the

Supreme Being."

 

 

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