Who Are You?

By Ajit Krishna Dasa

Question:

Am I this body, or is there something more to my identity?

Answer:

You are not this body. According to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gita, you are an eternal spiritual soul (atma), distinct from the temporary material body. Understanding this is the first step toward self-realization and true happiness.

Explanation:

The material world conditions us to believe that we are defined by our bodies—our gender, nationality, appearance, and so on. However, Srila Prabhupada taught that these external labels are like the clothes we wear—temporary coverings that do not represent who we truly are.

In the Bhagavad-gita (2.20), Krishna describes the soul as eternal: “For the soul there is never birth nor death. Nor, having once been, does he ever cease to be. He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, undying and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain.” This verse reveals that while the body undergoes constant change and ultimately perishes, the soul remains unchanged and indestructible.

Srila Prabhupada explained that identifying with the body is the root cause of all suffering. When we forget our spiritual nature, we become entangled in material desires and anxieties. Real happiness begins when we recognize that we are eternal servants of Krishna, free from the limitations of the body and mind.

Just as a driver is different from the car they drive, the soul is distinct from the body. This simple yet profound understanding can change the way we approach life. Instead of being overwhelmed by the temporary ups and downs of material existence, we can focus on our eternal identity and purpose.

Suggested Reading:

To gain deeper insight into this subject, read Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 2.20, along with the purport. This verse explains the indestructible nature of the soul and its distinction from the temporary body.