So this devotional service, this line of action, is so nice that if we practice, if we make advance, then even in this material world, staying, there will be no more suffering. That is called jivan mukta. Jivan mukta means although he is in this body, but he is not suffering the bodily miserable condition. It is a question of absorption of thought. I have read in some paper that Mr. Stalin, the communist leader, he had to undergo a surgical operation of operating on the belly. But doctor wanted to, what is called, chloroform, but he said, "No, there is no need. You can go on with your operation." So even in ordinary life it is possible. Because the mind is absorbed in a different way, even a surgical operation does not disturb a man. Similarly, what to speak of spiritual life, if your mind is always absorbed in Krsna thought, Krsna consciousness... That is stated mad-gata-cetasah, always thinking of Krsna. And Krsna advises also. What is His advice? Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru: [Bg. 18.65] "You always think of Me."
By H.D.G. Srila Prabhupada
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