Eternal Nature of the Antimaterial World
The concept of an "anti-material world" is not merely a subject of modern physics but the central theme of Vedic cosmology. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that beyond the temporary, destructive material universe lies an eternal realm composed of superior energy. This article examines the nature of this anti-material world, its indestructibility, and the scientific and spiritual processes discussed in relation to it.
Beyond Materialistic Science
Modern science has theorized the existence of antimatter and an "anti-world" made of antiparticles. Śrīla Prabhupāda appreciates this advancement as a step toward understanding the spiritual reality. However, he distinguishes the limited scientific view—which often predicts mutual annihilation—from the Vedic conclusion that the anti-material world is the permanent reality that survives all material cosmic cycles.
- According to one of the fundamental assumptions of the new theory (matter exists in two forms - as particles and antiparticles), there may exist another world, or an antiworld, built up of antimatter.
- It is a good sign that the materialistic scientists are gradually progressing toward the region of the anti-material world.
- The atomic scientist may consider annihilating the material world by nuclear weapons, but his weapons cannot destroy the antimaterial world.
Characteristics of the Antimaterial World
The anti-material world is not a void or a chaotic collision of particles. It is described as sanātana-dhāma, the eternal abode. In this realm, there is no distinction between the living and the non-living because everything is composed of conscious, spiritual energy. It is a place of eternal life, free from the miseries of birth, death, old age, and disease.
- In the antimaterial world there is no inert matter. Everything there is a living principle, and the Supreme Personality in that region is God Himself.
- The denizens of the antimaterial world possess eternal life, eternal knowledge and eternal bliss. In other words, they have all the qualifications of God.
- The antimaterial world is mentioned here (in the Bhagavad-gita), and in addition information is given that in the antimaterial world there is no "seasonal" fluctuation. Everything there is permanent, blissful, and full of knowledge.
Indestructibility and Superiority
A key distinction between the material and anti-material worlds is their durability. The material world is a shadow—temporary and subject to repeated creation and annihilation. The anti-material world, being made of superior quality energy, exists eternally. Even if the material universe is destroyed, the anti-material world remains untouched.
- There are two worlds—the material and antimaterial. The material world is composed of inferior qualitative energy divided into eight material principles. The antimaterial world is made of superior qualitative energy.
- It may be that a "clash" occurs between the material and antimaterial worlds, as suggested by the scientists, and that the material worlds are destroyed, but there is no annihilation of the antimaterial worlds.
- The antimaterial world, which is far removed from the material sky, is never annihilated. It absorbs the material world.
Process of Transferral
Reaching this superior world is the ultimate goal of human life. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that mechanical attempts like rockets are futile because the anti-material world is beyond the material sky. Entry is granted only to those who cultivate "anti-material activities"—specifically, devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead—which purify the consciousness and prepare the soul for transferral at the time of death.
- The gross materialist may try to approach the antimaterial worlds by endeavoring with spaceships, satellites, rockets, etc., which he throws into outer space, but by such means he cannot even approach the material planets in the higher regions.
- The individual living being can very easily enter the antimaterial world by practicing antimaterial activities while residing in the material world.
- Those who adopt the means of devotional service, as prescribed by the expert transcendentalist, are never disappointed in their attempts to enter the anti-material world.
Conclusion
The anti-material world is not a myth or a theoretical abstraction; it is the eternal home of the living entity. While materialistic science gropes in the dark with limited theories of antiparticles, the Vedic literature provides a clear roadmap to this region of eternal bliss. By shifting one's engagement from material to anti-material activities, any intelligent person can break free from the cycle of destruction and regain their rightful place in the eternal kingdom of God.
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 Anti-material World. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.