Visnu Purana's Teachings
The Viṣṇu Purāṇa is one of the eighteen major Purāṇas and is considered a sāttvika-purāṇa, or a scripture in the mode of goodness. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently turns to this text to provide authoritative evidence for the philosophy of acintya-bhedābheda-tattva—simultaneous oneness and difference. Whether explaining the relationship between God and the living entities, the purpose of social orders, or the specific nature of the Lord's internal potencies, the Viṣṇu Purāṇa serves as a foundational scripture that supports the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
The One and the Many: The Fire Analogy
One of the most famous analogies in Vaiṣṇava philosophy comes from the Viṣṇu Purāṇa—the comparison of the Lord to a fire. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses this to explain how the Supreme Personality of Godhead can be localized in His abode while simultaneously pervading the entire universe. Just as a fire located in one spot distributes its heat and light everywhere, the Lord maintains the cosmic manifestation through the expansion of His diverse energies.
- In the Visnu Purana it is said: Fire is situated in one place, but it distributes heat and light. Similarly, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is distributing His energies in different ways.
- Whatever we see in this world is but an expansion of various energies of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is like a fire that spreads illumination for a long distance although it is situated in one place - Visnu Purana.
- In the Visnu Purana it is said that as fire expands its rays and heat from one place, similarly the Supreme Spirit, the Personality of Godhead, expands Himself by His manifold energy everywhere and anywhere.
The Goal of Varṇāśrama
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites the Viṣṇu Purāṇa to define the true purpose of the varṇāśrama system. The text declares that the divisions of society—brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, and śūdra—are not meant for material exploitation or social status but solely for the worship of Lord Viṣṇu. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that any social system disconnected from this goal is ultimately useless.
- The varnasrama institution aims at satisfying Lord Visnu. Varnasramacara-vata purusena parah puman/visnur aradhyate... (Visnu Purana 3.8.8).
- Quoting from the Visnu Purana (389), the great sage Parasara Muni has recommended: "The SP of Godhead, Lord Visnu, is worshiped by the proper execution of prescribed duties in the system of varna and asrama. There is no other way to satisfy the Lord".
- As confirmed in the Visnu Purana (3.8.9): by accepting the institution of varna and asrama, one can very easily elevate himself to the platform of worshiping Visnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Jīva Tattva: The Marginal Energy
The Viṣṇu Purāṇa provides crucial definitions regarding the nature of the living entity. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites verses confirming that the jīva is the parā-śakti (superior energy) of the Lord, distinct from the material energy (avidyā). However, although superior to matter, the living entity is still an energy and not the energetic source. This distinction is vital for refuting the Māyāvāda philosophy which claims the soul is identical to God.
- According to Visnu Purana, Bhagavad-gita and all other Vedic literatures, the living entities are generated from the tatastha energy of the Lord, and thus they are always the energy of the Lord and are not the energetic.
- The living entity is mentioned in Bhagavad-gita (BG 7.5) as para prakrti, and in the Visnu Purana he is mentioned as the para sakti. He is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord as potency and not as the potent.
- That is explained in the Visnu Purana, where it is clearly stated that the individual parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord are subject to being covered by the external energy, called illusion, or maya.
The Internal Potencies
The theology of the Lord's internal potency (antaraṅgā-śakti) is elaborately described in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the Lord is the reservoir of three specific spiritual energies: hlādinī (pleasure), sandhinī (existence), and samvit (knowledge). This tri-partite energy supports the spiritual world and the Lord's pastimes, distinct from the external material energy which causes nescience.
- In the Visnu Purana (1.12.69) the Lord is addressed as follows: O Lord, You are the support of everything. The three attributes hladini, sandhini and samvit exist in You as one spiritual energy.
- As confirmed in Visnu Purana (1.12.69): "The pleasure potency of Krsna gives Krsna transcendental pleasure and bliss." Thus when Krsna wants to enjoy pleasure, He exhibits His own spiritual potency known as hladini.
- According to the Visnu Purana, the material energy is called avidya, or nescience, and is exhibited in the fruitive activities of sense enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Viṣṇu Purāṇa stands as a pillar of Vaiṣṇava theology, offering clear and concise evidence for the nature of reality. Through Śrīla Prabhupāda's frequent citations, we understand that this scripture is not merely mythology but a scientific exposition of the energies of God. By studying the Viṣṇu Purāṇa through the lens of the ācāryas, one gains a comprehensive understanding of the Lord's omnipresence, the soul's position, and the ultimate purpose of human life—to worship Lord Viṣṇu.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Visnu Purana. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.