Kṛṣṇa explains the mechanics of transmigration. When the soul (the ‘Īśvara’ or lord of the body) quits one physical form and enters another, he carries his mind and senses with him. He uses a beautiful analogy: just as the air picks up the aroma of a flower or a piece of garbage and carries it along, the soul carries his past impressions and habits to his next destination. We are not just a blank slate when we are born. We carry our ‘scent’—our character, our fears, and our talents—from our previous life. The body is new, but the ‘subtle body’ (mind/intelligence) is an old traveler. This explains why children are born with different aptitudes. We are the sum total of our past choices, traveling in a new vehicle. It teaches us to be very careful with what ‘aroma’ we are creating today. Our current thoughts and actions are the ‘perfume’ or the ‘stench’ that our soul will carry into the future. By cultivating spiritual habits now, we ensure a pleasant and elevated journey for ourselves. We are always carrying our ‘inner world’ with us, no matter which body we inhabit.