I have passed my M.A. examination, and in the university, in the convocation meeting, I get the degree and people applauses me; but if one is situated in consciousness, he will understand, "What is this degree? This degree is due to my body. As soon as this body finishes, all these degree will finish. Because, if it is a fact that vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya [Bg. 2.22], if I have to take another body after leaving this body, then everything in bodily connection will finish as soon as I give up this body and take up another body. That is my position.
Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 2.55-58, New York, April 15, 1966