Ch.3 BhagavatamCh.3 Bhagavatam

Answers to the First QuestionsAnswers to the First Questions

In text 2.11, the one Absolute Truth (jnanam In text 2.11, the one Absolute Truth (jnanam advayam) was categorized according to an advayam) was categorized according to an ascending order of realization as Brahman, ascending order of realization as Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavan.Paramatma, and Bhagavan.

““Learned transcendentalists who know the Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this nondual substance Absolute Truth call this nondual substance BrahmanBrahman, , ParamātmāParamātmā or or BhagavānBhagavān.” (1.2.11).” (1.2.11)

In 1.2.28-29 it is explained by Suta Gosvami In 1.2.28-29 it is explained by Suta Gosvami that the Bhagavan feature, Vasudeva Krishna, is that the Bhagavan feature, Vasudeva Krishna, is to be known by all the Vedas.to be known by all the Vedas.

Realization of the Personality of the Absolute is Realization of the Personality of the Absolute is complete realization of the Absolute. complete realization of the Absolute.

Outline of Chapter 3Outline of Chapter 3

1-5: Describing in further Detail the Three 1-5: Describing in further Detail the Three PurusasPurusas

6-27: Naming and describing 22 Avataras; 6-27: Naming and describing 22 Avataras; answering the fourth and fifth questions.answering the fourth and fifth questions.

28: Krishna is the Supreme Personality of 28: Krishna is the Supreme Personality of GodheadGodhead

29: The Phala-Sruti-the Fruit of hearing about 29: The Phala-Sruti-the Fruit of hearing about these incarnationthese incarnation

Chapter 3 Outline Cont…Chapter 3 Outline Cont…

30-39: Progressing from Matter Upward to 30-39: Progressing from Matter Upward to Brahman, Paramatma, and finally BhagavanBrahman, Paramatma, and finally Bhagavan

30-31: A start-Seeing Spirit in Matter30-31: A start-Seeing Spirit in Matter 32-34: Seeing All as Spirit32-34: Seeing All as Spirit 35-39: Knowing Paramatma and Bhagavan35-39: Knowing Paramatma and Bhagavan 40-44: Glorification of Srimad Bhagavatam; 40-44: Glorification of Srimad Bhagavatam;

Suta Gosvami answer 6Suta Gosvami answer 6thth question question

““One who is One who is factually convinced factually convinced of this opulence and of this opulence and mystic power of mystic power of Mine engages in Mine engages in unalloyed devotional unalloyed devotional service; of this there service; of this there is no doubt.” BG is no doubt.” BG 10.7 10.7

““The highest summit of spiritual perfection is The highest summit of spiritual perfection is knowledge of the Supreme Personality of knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Unless one is firmly convinced of the Godhead. Unless one is firmly convinced of the different opulence's of the Supreme Lord, he different opulence's of the Supreme Lord, he cannot engage in devotional service. Generally cannot engage in devotional service. Generally people know that God is great, but they do not people know that God is great, but they do not know in detail how God is great…know in detail how God is great…All this particular All this particular knowledge is required in order to increase one's knowledge is required in order to increase one's interest in the loving devotional service of the Lord. interest in the loving devotional service of the Lord. One should not neglect to understand fully how great One should not neglect to understand fully how great KrsnaKrsna is, for by knowing the greatness of is, for by knowing the greatness of KrsnaKrsna one one will be able to be fixed in sincere devotional service. will be able to be fixed in sincere devotional service. ” ” Purport BG 10.7 Purport BG 10.7

The AvatarsThe Avatars

The word 'avatara' means 'one who descends' The word 'avatara' means 'one who descends' (from Sanskrit (from Sanskrit avataratiavatarati) and in this case the ) and in this case the word specifically refers to one who descends word specifically refers to one who descends from the spiritual sky. from the spiritual sky.

There are six kinds of incarnations: (1) the There are six kinds of incarnations: (1) the purusa-avataras, (2) the lila-avataras, (3) the purusa-avataras, (2) the lila-avataras, (3) the guna-avataras, (4) the manvantara-avataras, (5) guna-avataras, (4) the manvantara-avataras, (5) the yuga-avataras, and (6) the saktyavesa-the yuga-avataras, and (6) the saktyavesa-avataras. avataras.

1.3.1-5 (The Purusa Avatars)1.3.1-5 (The Purusa Avatars)

The Maha-VishnuThe Maha-Vishnu

MAHA VISNU lies on the Causal Ocean which appears MAHA VISNU lies on the Causal Ocean which appears in one corner of the spiritual world. He manifests the in one corner of the spiritual world. He manifests the mahat tattva (or the sum total of material energy). It is mahat tattva (or the sum total of material energy). It is into this mahat tattva that He exhales all of the seedlike into this mahat tattva that He exhales all of the seedlike universes through the pores of His skin. These seedlike universes through the pores of His skin. These seedlike universes then expand as the different material elements universes then expand as the different material elements form coverings around them. Each of the coverings is form coverings around them. Each of the coverings is ten times thicker than the previous covering and form a ten times thicker than the previous covering and form a shell-like covering. When Maha Visnu impregnates the shell-like covering. When Maha Visnu impregnates the living entities by His glance into the material nature it living entities by His glance into the material nature it begins to manifest its various energies. begins to manifest its various energies.

The Garbhodakasayi VishnuThe Garbhodakasayi Vishnu When the universes have thus developed in the When the universes have thus developed in the

womb of material nature, Maha Visnu expands as womb of material nature, Maha Visnu expands as GARBHODAKASAYI VISNU, Who enters into GARBHODAKASAYI VISNU, Who enters into each universe with the living entities of that each universe with the living entities of that particular universe and thus activates each particular universe and thus activates each universe by His presence. He lies down on universe by His presence. He lies down on Ananta Sesa who lies on the Garbha ocean, Ananta Sesa who lies on the Garbha ocean, which is the perspiration from the Lord's body which is the perspiration from the Lord's body and half fills the universe. From His navel comes and half fills the universe. From His navel comes a lotus bud which is the total form of the living a lotus bud which is the total form of the living entities' fruitive activity. The lotus grows entities' fruitive activity. The lotus grows dissipating the darkness of the universe. dissipating the darkness of the universe.

On top of the lotus Brahma, the first living being On top of the lotus Brahma, the first living being appears. Situated on the lotus, Brahma could not appears. Situated on the lotus, Brahma could not understand anything. He began entering the stem and understand anything. He began entering the stem and climbed down to find its origin. Not finding anything, climbed down to find its origin. Not finding anything, Brahma again returned to the top of the lotus where Brahma again returned to the top of the lotus where he heard the word ta-pa (austerity). Hearing the sound he heard the word ta-pa (austerity). Hearing the sound Brahma underwent penance for one thousand celestial Brahma underwent penance for one thousand celestial years; (6x30x12x1000 earthly years). Being very years; (6x30x12x1000 earthly years). Being very pleased with Brahma's tapasya, the Lord manifested pleased with Brahma's tapasya, the Lord manifested the Vaikuntha planets to him. Seeing Vaikuntha, the Vaikuntha planets to him. Seeing Vaikuntha, Brahma became very happy and bowed to the Lord. Brahma became very happy and bowed to the Lord. Being very pleased with Brahma the Lord shakes his Being very pleased with Brahma the Lord shakes his hand and reveals how to create the universe. hand and reveals how to create the universe.

Ksirodakasayi VishnuKsirodakasayi Vishnu

To maintain the universe Garbhodakasayi Visnu expands To maintain the universe Garbhodakasayi Visnu expands as KSIRODAKASAYI VISNU, Who is the all-pervading as KSIRODAKASAYI VISNU, Who is the all-pervading Supersoul (Paramatma). By His entering into every atom Supersoul (Paramatma). By His entering into every atom He maintains the whole universe. His abode is He maintains the whole universe. His abode is Svetadvipa, an island in the ocean of milk. Svetadvipa, an island in the ocean of milk.

Functions of the SupersoulFunctions of the Supersoul

There are two birds living inside the tree. One There are two birds living inside the tree. One bird is trying to enjoy the fruits of the tree bird is trying to enjoy the fruits of the tree while the other bird is just witnessing his while the other bird is just witnessing his friend. The tree represents the material body friend. The tree represents the material body and it has two primary conscious entities and it has two primary conscious entities existing there. One is the individual soul who existing there. One is the individual soul who is trying to enjoy the material world (the fruits is trying to enjoy the material world (the fruits of the tree); the other is the Supersoul who is of the tree); the other is the Supersoul who is witnessing the activities of the soul. witnessing the activities of the soul.

Functions of the Supersoul cont…Functions of the Supersoul cont… The Supersoul is something like an interface between The Supersoul is something like an interface between

matter and spirit. The soul has no independent power matter and spirit. The soul has no independent power to make things happen; meaning we can't at will just to make things happen; meaning we can't at will just make something happen. We are depending on so make something happen. We are depending on so many factors is it not? Basically all the soul can do is many factors is it not? Basically all the soul can do is desire. The Supersoul (the witness) sanctions the desire. The Supersoul (the witness) sanctions the desire and material nature supplies it.desire and material nature supplies it.

Therefore, although we are not aware of all the Therefore, although we are not aware of all the desires we have had in this life and previous ones, the desires we have had in this life and previous ones, the supersoul is very much aware, and sanctions those supersoul is very much aware, and sanctions those desire in combination with our karma (what we desire in combination with our karma (what we deserve).deserve).

Functions of the Supersoul cont…Functions of the Supersoul cont…

"The sun, fire, sky, air, demigods, moon, "The sun, fire, sky, air, demigods, moon, evening, day, night, directions, water, land and evening, day, night, directions, water, land and Supersoul Himself all witness the activities of Supersoul Himself all witness the activities of the living entity." Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.42the living entity." Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.42

"The members of some religious sects, especially Christians, "The members of some religious sects, especially Christians, do not believe in the reactions of do not believe in the reactions of karmakarma. We once had a . We once had a discussion with a learned Christian professor who argued that discussion with a learned Christian professor who argued that although people are generally punished after the witnesses of although people are generally punished after the witnesses of their misdeeds are examined, where are the witnesses their misdeeds are examined, where are the witnesses responsible for one's suffering the reactions of past responsible for one's suffering the reactions of past karmakarma? To ? To such a person the answer by the Yamadūtas is given here. A such a person the answer by the Yamadūtas is given here. A conditioned soul thinks that he is working stealthily and that conditioned soul thinks that he is working stealthily and that no one can see his sinful activities, but we can understand from no one can see his sinful activities, but we can understand from the śāstras that there are many witnesses, including the sun, the śāstras that there are many witnesses, including the sun, fire, sky, air, moon, demigods, evening, day, night, directions, fire, sky, air, moon, demigods, evening, day, night, directions, water, land and the Supersoul Himself, who sits with the water, land and the Supersoul Himself, who sits with the individual soul within his heart. Where is the dearth of individual soul within his heart. Where is the dearth of witnesses? The witnesses and the Supreme Lord both exist, witnesses? The witnesses and the Supreme Lord both exist, and therefore so many living entities are elevated to higher and therefore so many living entities are elevated to higher planetary systems or degraded to lower planetary systems, planetary systems or degraded to lower planetary systems, including the hellish planets [according to their including the hellish planets [according to their karma]."purport to 6.1.42 karma]."purport to 6.1.42

Functions of the Supersoul cont…Functions of the Supersoul cont…

"I am situated in everyone's heart as the "I am situated in everyone's heart as the Supersoul and from me comes remembrance, Supersoul and from me comes remembrance, knowledge, and forgetfulness." Gita 15.15knowledge, and forgetfulness." Gita 15.15

"The Supreme Lord is situated as Paramatma "The Supreme Lord is situated as Paramatma in everyone's heart, and it is from Him that all in everyone's heart, and it is from Him that all activities are initiated. The living entity forgets activities are initiated. The living entity forgets everything of his past life, but he has to act everything of his past life, but he has to act according to the direction of the Supreme according to the direction of the Supreme Lord, who is witness to all his work. Therefore Lord, who is witness to all his work. Therefore he begins his work according to his past deeds. he begins his work according to his past deeds. Required knowledge is supplied to him, and Required knowledge is supplied to him, and remembrance is given to him, and he forgets, remembrance is given to him, and he forgets, also, about his past life. Thus, the Lord is not also, about his past life. Thus, the Lord is not only all-pervading; He is also localized in only all-pervading; He is also localized in every individual heart. He awards the different every individual heart. He awards the different fruitive results." purpot to Gita 15.15 fruitive results." purpot to Gita 15.15

Functions of the Supersoul cont…Functions of the Supersoul cont…

"The Supreme Lord is situated in everyones's "The Supreme Lord is situated in everyones's heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wandering heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wandering of all living entities who are seated as on a of all living entities who are seated as on a machine made of the material energy." 18.61 machine made of the material energy." 18.61

"The Supreme Personality of Godhead, or He "The Supreme Personality of Godhead, or He Himself, Krsna, the localized Supersoul, sits in Himself, Krsna, the localized Supersoul, sits in the heart directing the living being. After the heart directing the living being. After changing bodies, the living entity forgets his changing bodies, the living entity forgets his past deeds, but the Supersoul, as the knower of past deeds, but the Supersoul, as the knower of the past, present and future, remains the the past, present and future, remains the witness of all his activities. Therefore all the witness of all his activities. Therefore all the activities of living entities are directed by this activities of living entities are directed by this Supersoul. The living entity gets what he Supersoul. The living entity gets what he deserves and is carried by the material body deserves and is carried by the material body which is created in the material energy under which is created in the material energy under the direction of the Supersoul." purport 18.61the direction of the Supersoul." purport 18.61

Functions of the Supersoul…Functions of the Supersoul…

"Being the Absolute Personality of Godhead, He is "Being the Absolute Personality of Godhead, He is present in everyone's heart. He is equally kind to present in everyone's heart. He is equally kind to everyone." 1.9.21everyone." 1.9.21

He is He is ParamātmāParamātmā, or the Supersoul, present in , or the Supersoul, present in everyone as the supreme guidance, and therefore He everyone as the supreme guidance, and therefore He is already the chariot driver and counsel of all living is already the chariot driver and counsel of all living beings. When He, therefore, exhibits Himself as beings. When He, therefore, exhibits Himself as chariot driver of chariot driver of ArjunaArjuna, there is no change in His , there is no change in His exalted position. exalted position.

What happens to the Supersoul at What happens to the Supersoul at the time of Liberation of the soul?the time of Liberation of the soul?

The Supreme Lord, in His localized aspect of The Supreme Lord, in His localized aspect of ParamātmāParamātmā, is also described in the Vedas , is also described in the Vedas themselves. The following verse appears in the themselves. The following verse appears in the Vedas (Chāndogya Vedas (Chāndogya UpanisadUpanisad 8.12.38.12.3): tāvad ): tāvad esaesa samprasādo 'smāc charīrāt samprasādo 'smāc charīrāt samutthāyasamutthāya paramparam TT jyotijyoti--rūpamrūpam TT sampadyasampadya svenasvena rūpenābhinispadyate rūpenābhinispadyate sasa uttamahuttamah UU purusahpurusah UU. . "The Supersoul coming out of the body enters "The Supersoul coming out of the body enters the impersonal brahmajyoti; then in His form He the impersonal brahmajyoti; then in His form He remains in His spiritual identity. That Supreme is remains in His spiritual identity. That Supreme is called the Supreme Personality." Gita 15.18called the Supreme Personality." Gita 15.18

Naming and Describing Naming and Describing 22 Avataras22 Avataras

Answering the fourth and firth Answering the fourth and firth questions of the Sagesquestions of the Sages

Innumerable IncarnationsInnumerable Incarnations ““O brāhmanas, the incarnations of the Lord are O brāhmanas, the incarnations of the Lord are

innumerable, like rivulets flowing from innumerable, like rivulets flowing from inexhaustible sources of water.” 1.2.26inexhaustible sources of water.” 1.2.26

““All the rsis, Manus, demigods and All the rsis, Manus, demigods and descendants of descendants of ManuManu, who are especially , who are especially powerful, are plenary portions or portions of powerful, are plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord. This also the plenary portions of the Lord. This also includes the Prajāpatis.” 1.2.27 ; includes the Prajāpatis.” 1.2.27 ;

““Those who are comparatively less powerful Those who are comparatively less powerful are called are called vibhūtivibhūti, and those who are , and those who are comparatively more powerful are called āveśa comparatively more powerful are called āveśa incarnations. incarnations.

Krishna The Source of Krishna The Source of All IncarnationsAll Incarnations

The Relationship of Krishna to the The Relationship of Krishna to the other Avatars and Krishna’s other Avatars and Krishna’s

Superlative PositionSuperlative Position

Krishna: Source of All IncarnationsKrishna: Source of All Incarnations

““All of the above-All of the above-mentioned incarnations mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but portions of the Lord, but Lord Śrī Krsna is the Lord Śrī Krsna is the original Personality of original Personality of Godhead. All of them Godhead. All of them appear on planets appear on planets whenever there is a whenever there is a disturbance created by the disturbance created by the atheists. The Lord atheists. The Lord incarnates to protect the incarnates to protect the theists.” 1.2.28 theists.” 1.2.28

Rasaraj: The King of RasaRasaraj: The King of Rasa

““Though the forms of Vishnu and Krishna are Though the forms of Vishnu and Krishna are non-different according to the statements of non-different according to the statements of the scripture, Krishna’s form is shown to be the scripture, Krishna’s form is shown to be superior because of His rasas, which are superior because of His rasas, which are endowed with the highest type of prema. The endowed with the highest type of prema. The very nature of His rasas shows Krishna’s form very nature of His rasas shows Krishna’s form to be superior.” Bhakti-Rasamrita-Sindhu to be superior.” Bhakti-Rasamrita-Sindhu 1.2.591.2.59

Krishna Form: Highest Form of RasaKrishna Form: Highest Form of Rasa ““So all the different incarnations of the Lord indirectly or directly So all the different incarnations of the Lord indirectly or directly

manifested different features, but Lord Krsna, the primeval Lord, manifested different features, but Lord Krsna, the primeval Lord, exhibited the complete features of Godhead, and thus it is exhibited the complete features of Godhead, and thus it is confirmed that He is the source of all other incarnations. And the confirmed that He is the source of all other incarnations. And the most extraordinary feature exhibited by Lord Śrī Krsna was His most extraordinary feature exhibited by Lord Śrī Krsna was His internal energetic manifestation of His pastimes with the cowherd internal energetic manifestation of His pastimes with the cowherd girls. His pastimes with the gopīs are all displays of transcendental girls. His pastimes with the gopīs are all displays of transcendental existence, bliss and knowledge, although these are manifested existence, bliss and knowledge, although these are manifested apparently as sex love. The specific attraction of His pastimes apparently as sex love. The specific attraction of His pastimes with the gopīs should never be misunderstood. The Bhāgavatam with the gopīs should never be misunderstood. The Bhāgavatam relates these transcendental pastimes in the Tenth Canto. And in relates these transcendental pastimes in the Tenth Canto. And in order to reach the position to understand the transcendental nature order to reach the position to understand the transcendental nature of Lord Krsna's pastimes with the gopīs, the Bhāgavatam of Lord Krsna's pastimes with the gopīs, the Bhāgavatam promotes the student gradually in nine other cantos.” prpt. 1.3.28promotes the student gradually in nine other cantos.” prpt. 1.3.28

Krishna Possess All Qualities in FullKrishna Possess All Qualities in Full (1) beautiful features of the entire body; (2) marked with all (1) beautiful features of the entire body; (2) marked with all

auspicious characteristics; (3) extremely pleasing; (4) effulgent; auspicious characteristics; (3) extremely pleasing; (4) effulgent; (5) strong; (6) ever youthful; (7) wonderful linguist; (8) truthful; (5) strong; (6) ever youthful; (7) wonderful linguist; (8) truthful; (9) talks pleasingly; (10) fluent; (11) highly learned; (12) highly (9) talks pleasingly; (10) fluent; (11) highly learned; (12) highly intelligent; (13) a genius; (14) artistic; (15) extremely clever; (16) intelligent; (13) a genius; (14) artistic; (15) extremely clever; (16) expert; (17) grateful; (18) firmly determined; (19) an expert judge expert; (17) grateful; (18) firmly determined; (19) an expert judge of time and circumstances; (20) sees and speaks on the authority of of time and circumstances; (20) sees and speaks on the authority of Vedas, or scriptures; (21) pure; (22) self-controlled; (23) steadfast; Vedas, or scriptures; (21) pure; (22) self-controlled; (23) steadfast; (24) forbearing; (25) forgiving; (26) grave; (27) self-satisfied; (28) (24) forbearing; (25) forgiving; (26) grave; (27) self-satisfied; (28) possessing equilibrium; (29) magnanimous; (30) religious; (31) possessing equilibrium; (29) magnanimous; (30) religious; (31) heroic; (32) compassionate; (33) respectful; (34) gentle; (35) heroic; (32) compassionate; (33) respectful; (34) gentle; (35) liberal; (36) shy; (37) the protector of surrendered souls; (38) liberal; (36) shy; (37) the protector of surrendered souls; (38) happy; (39) the well-wisher of devotees; (40) controlled by love; happy; (39) the well-wisher of devotees; (40) controlled by love; (41) all-auspicious; (42) most powerful; (43) all-famous; (44) (41) all-auspicious; (42) most powerful; (43) all-famous; (44) popular; (45) partial to devotees; (46) very attractive to all women; popular; (45) partial to devotees; (46) very attractive to all women; (47) all-worshipable; (48) all-opulent; (49) all-honorable; (50) the (47) all-worshipable; (48) all-opulent; (49) all-honorable; (50) the supreme controller. (Jivas can possess these fifty in minute way).supreme controller. (Jivas can possess these fifty in minute way).

Krishna Possess All Qualities in FullKrishna Possess All Qualities in Full

Besides all of the above-mentioned fifty Besides all of the above-mentioned fifty qualities, Lord Krsna possesses five more, qualities, Lord Krsna possesses five more, which are sometimes partially manifested in which are sometimes partially manifested in the persons of Lord Brahmā or Lord Śiva. the persons of Lord Brahmā or Lord Śiva. These transcendental qualities are as follows: These transcendental qualities are as follows: (51) changeless; (52) all-cognizant; (53) ever (51) changeless; (52) all-cognizant; (53) ever fresh; (54) sac-cid-ānanda (possessing an fresh; (54) sac-cid-ānanda (possessing an eternal blissful body); (55) possessing all eternal blissful body); (55) possessing all mystic perfections. mystic perfections.

Krishna Possess All Qualities in FullKrishna Possess All Qualities in Full

Krsna also possesses five other qualities, which are Krsna also possesses five other qualities, which are manifest in the body of Nārāyana, and they are listed manifest in the body of Nārāyana, and they are listed as follows. (56) He has inconceivable potency. (57) as follows. (56) He has inconceivable potency. (57) Uncountable universes generate from His body. (58) Uncountable universes generate from His body. (58) He is the original source of all incarnations. (59) He He is the original source of all incarnations. (59) He is the giver of salvation to the enemies whom He is the giver of salvation to the enemies whom He kills. (60) He is the attractor of liberated souls. All kills. (60) He is the attractor of liberated souls. All these transcendental qualities are manifest these transcendental qualities are manifest wonderfully in the personal feature of Lord Krsna. wonderfully in the personal feature of Lord Krsna.

Krishna Possess All Qualities in FullKrishna Possess All Qualities in Full

Besides these sixty transcendental qualities, Krsna Besides these sixty transcendental qualities, Krsna has four more, which are not manifest even in the has four more, which are not manifest even in the Nārāyana form of Godhead, what to speak of the Nārāyana form of Godhead, what to speak of the demigods or living entities. They are as follows. (61) demigods or living entities. They are as follows. (61) He is the performer of wonderful varieties of He is the performer of wonderful varieties of pastimes (especially His childhood pastimes). (62) He pastimes (especially His childhood pastimes). (62) He is surrounded by devotees endowed with wonderful is surrounded by devotees endowed with wonderful love of Godhead. (63) He can attract all living entities love of Godhead. (63) He can attract all living entities all over the universes by playing on His flute. (64) He all over the universes by playing on His flute. (64) He has a wonderful excellence of beauty which cannot be has a wonderful excellence of beauty which cannot be rivaled anywhere in the creation. rivaled anywhere in the creation.

Phala-Sruti-Fruit of HearingPhala-Sruti-Fruit of Hearing

““Whoever carefully Whoever carefully recites the mysterious recites the mysterious appearances of the appearances of the Lord, with devotion in Lord, with devotion in the morning and in the the morning and in the evening, gets relief evening, gets relief from all miseries of from all miseries of life.” 1.3.29life.” 1.3.29

First Steps in God RealizationFirst Steps in God Realization

Text 30-39: Progressing from Matter-Upward Text 30-39: Progressing from Matter-Upward to Brahman, Paramatma, and Finally to Brahman, Paramatma, and Finally BhagavanBhagavan

Text 30-31: A Start-Seeing Spirit in MatterText 30-31: A Start-Seeing Spirit in Matter ““The conception of the virāt universal form of The conception of the virāt universal form of

the Lord, as appearing in the material world, is the Lord, as appearing in the material world, is imaginary. It is to enable the less intelligent imaginary. It is to enable the less intelligent [and neophytes] to adjust to the idea of the [and neophytes] to adjust to the idea of the Lord's having form. But factually the Lord has Lord's having form. But factually the Lord has no material form.” SB 1.3.30 no material form.” SB 1.3.30

““The conception of the Lord known as the viśva-rūpa The conception of the Lord known as the viśva-rūpa or the virāt-rūpa is particularly not mentioned along or the virāt-rūpa is particularly not mentioned along with the various incarnations of the Lord because all with the various incarnations of the Lord because all the incarnations of the Lord mentioned above are the incarnations of the Lord mentioned above are transcendental and there is not a tinge of materialism transcendental and there is not a tinge of materialism in their bodies. There is no difference between the in their bodies. There is no difference between the body and self as there is in the conditioned soul. The body and self as there is in the conditioned soul. The virāt-rūpa is conceived for those who are just virāt-rūpa is conceived for those who are just neophyte worshipers.” Prpt. neophyte worshipers.” Prpt.

Just as living entities identify with their Just as living entities identify with their material body so also the jivas imagine that material body so also the jivas imagine that Krishna has a material body. Both thoughts are Krishna has a material body. Both thoughts are products of illusion. Suta gives an example:products of illusion. Suta gives an example:

““Clouds and dust are carried by the air, but Clouds and dust are carried by the air, but less intelligent persons say that the sky is less intelligent persons say that the sky is cloudy and the air is dirty. Similarly, they also cloudy and the air is dirty. Similarly, they also implant material bodily conceptions on the implant material bodily conceptions on the spirit self.” SB 1.3.31spirit self.” SB 1.3.31

Next Stage in God-RealizationNext Stage in God-Realization

Text 32-34: Seeing All as SpiritText 32-34: Seeing All as Spirit Suta now describes the next step in spiritual Suta now describes the next step in spiritual

understanding: materialist to spiritual understanding: materialist to spiritual impersonalist.impersonalist.

““Beyond this gross conception of form is Beyond this gross conception of form is another, subtle conception of form which is another, subtle conception of form which is without formal shape and is unseen, unheard without formal shape and is unseen, unheard and unmanifest. The living being has his form and unmanifest. The living being has his form beyond this subtlety, otherwise he could not beyond this subtlety, otherwise he could not have repeated births.” SB 13.32have repeated births.” SB 13.32

Higher Stages of AdvancementHigher Stages of Advancement

““Whenever a person experiences, by self-Whenever a person experiences, by self-realization, that both the gross and subtle realization, that both the gross and subtle bodies have nothing to do with the pure self, at bodies have nothing to do with the pure self, at that time he sees himself as well as the Lord.” that time he sees himself as well as the Lord.” SB 1.3.33 SB 1.3.33

““If the illusory energy subsides and the living If the illusory energy subsides and the living entity becomes fully enriched with knowledge entity becomes fully enriched with knowledge by the grace of the Lord, then he becomes at by the grace of the Lord, then he becomes at once enlightened with self-realization and thus once enlightened with self-realization and thus becomes situated in his own glory.” SB 1.3.34becomes situated in his own glory.” SB 1.3.34

Seeing the Internal in the “External”Seeing the Internal in the “External” ““He can turn the external energy into internal He can turn the external energy into internal

by His will. Therefore by His grace the by His will. Therefore by His grace the external energy, which is employed in external energy, which is employed in illusioning those living beings who want to illusioning those living beings who want to have it, subsides by the will of the Lord in have it, subsides by the will of the Lord in terms of repentance and penance for the terms of repentance and penance for the conditioned soul. And the very same energy conditioned soul. And the very same energy then acts to help the purified living being make then acts to help the purified living being make progress on the path of self-realization.” Prpt. progress on the path of self-realization.” Prpt. to 1.3.33 to 1.3.33

Knowing Paramatma and BhagavanKnowing Paramatma and Bhagavan

““Thus learned men describe the births and Thus learned men describe the births and activities of the unborn and inactive, which is activities of the unborn and inactive, which is undiscoverable even in the Vedic literatures. undiscoverable even in the Vedic literatures. He is the Lord of the heart. The Lord, whose He is the Lord of the heart. The Lord, whose activities are always spotless, is the master of activities are always spotless, is the master of the six senses and is fully omnipotent with six the six senses and is fully omnipotent with six opulences. He creates the manifested opulences. He creates the manifested universes, maintains them and annihilates universes, maintains them and annihilates them without being in the least affected. He is them without being in the least affected. He is within every living being and is always within every living being and is always independent.” SB 1.3.35-36independent.” SB 1.3.35-36

Realizing the Nature of KrishnaRealizing the Nature of Krishna

““One who knows the One who knows the transcendental nature transcendental nature of My appearance and of My appearance and activities does not, activities does not, upon leaving the body, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in take his birth again in this material world, but this material world, but attains My eternal attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.” Gita abode, O Arjuna.” Gita 4.94.9

Disqualification for this KnowledgeDisqualification for this Knowledge

““The foolish with a poor fund of knowledge The foolish with a poor fund of knowledge cannot know the transcendental nature of the cannot know the transcendental nature of the forms, names and activities of the Lord, who is forms, names and activities of the Lord, who is playing like an actor in a drama. Nor can they playing like an actor in a drama. Nor can they express such things, neither in their express such things, neither in their speculations nor in their words.” SB 1.3.37speculations nor in their words.” SB 1.3.37

Qualification for this KnowledgeQualification for this Knowledge ““Only those who Only those who

render unreserved, render unreserved, uninterrupted, uninterrupted, favorable service unto favorable service unto the lotus feet of Lord the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, who carries the Krsna, who carries the wheel of the chariot in wheel of the chariot in His hand, can know His hand, can know the creator of the the creator of the universe in His full universe in His full glory, power and glory, power and transcendence.” SB transcendence.” SB 1.3.381.3.38

“To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Gita 10.10

Perfect Question/ Perfect AnswersPerfect Question/ Perfect Answers

““Only by making such inquiries in this world Only by making such inquiries in this world can one be successful and perfectly cognizant, can one be successful and perfectly cognizant, for such inquiries invoke transcendental for such inquiries invoke transcendental ecstatic love unto the Personality of Godhead, ecstatic love unto the Personality of Godhead, who is the proprietor of all the universes, and who is the proprietor of all the universes, and guarantee cent-percent immunity from the guarantee cent-percent immunity from the dreadful repetition of birth and death.” SB dreadful repetition of birth and death.” SB 1.3.39 1.3.39