The sufferings of the conditioned soul are superficial and have no intrinsic value, like the cutting off of one's head in a dream

Expressions researched:
"The sufferings of the conditioned soul are superficial and have no intrinsic value, like the cutting off of one's head in a dream"

SB Canto 3

The sufferings of the conditioned soul are superficial and have no intrinsic value, like the cutting off of one's head in a dream.

SB 3.7.18, Translation and Purport:

But, my dear sir, I am obliged to you because now I can understand that this material manifestation is without substance, although it appears real. I am confident that by serving your feet it will be possible for me to give up the false idea.

The sufferings of the conditioned soul are superficial and have no intrinsic value, like the cutting off of one's head in a dream. Yet although this statement is theoretically very true, it is very difficult for the common man or the neophyte on the transcendental path to realize practically. However, by serving the feet of great transcendentalists like Maitreya Muni and by constantly associating with them, one is enabled to give up the false idea that the soul suffers from material pangs.