Indestructible Nature of the Antimaterial Particle
Modern science has theorized the existence of antimatter, yet its full properties remain elusive to material observation. Śrīla Prabhupāda sheds light on this subject by presenting the Vedic perspective, which identifies the "antimaterial particle" not as a volatile physical substance, but as the eternal spirit soul. This article explores the nature of this superior energy, its indestructibility, and the eternal world it inhabits.
Identity of the Antimaterial Particle
The "antimaterial particle" is the living force that animates the material body. While the material body changes from childhood to old age and eventually dies, this particle remains constant and unchanged. It is described as the superior energy of the Supreme Lord, distinct from the inferior gross and subtle material elements.
- The living entity is constitutionally an antimaterial particle. But unless he elevates himself to the region of the antimaterial worlds by cultivation of antimaterial activities, he is destroyed materially at the annihilation of the material worlds.
- The antimaterial particle is finer than the finest of material particles. This living force is so powerful that it spreads its influence all over the material body.
- Although the living being has the tendency to be illusioned and trapped by the material energy, he belongs to the antimaterial energy, or spiritual energy. In this sense the living being is the positive energy, whereas matter is the negative.
Unaffected by Material Destruction
The most significant quality of the antimaterial particle is its indestructibility. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that material circumstances cannot affect the spirit soul; it is immune to the physical laws of destruction that govern the material world. When the body is annihilated, the antimaterial particle remains intact, transmigrating to a new situation based on its desires and activities.
- It (the antimaterial particle) is neither cut into pieces by any material weapon, nor is it burnt by fire. Nor is it moistened by water, nor withered, nor dried up, nor evaporated in the air. It is indivisible, nonflammable and insoluble.
- The material body is destructible, and as such it is changeable and temporary. So is the material world. But the antimaterial living force is nondestructible, and therefore it is permanent.
- The antimaterial particle, which is the vital force, is never born or created. It exists eternally. It has neither birth dates nor death dates. It is neither repeatedly created nor repeatedly destroyed.
The Antimaterial World
Beyond the limits of the material universe lies the vast "antimaterial sky," also known as the spiritual world or sanātana-dhāma. This region is composed of the same superior energy as the soul. Unlike the material planets which are subject to creation and annihilation, the planets in the antimaterial sky exist eternally without deterioration.
- 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.
- From all data available it is to be assumed without the slightest doubt that the antimaterial world is situated in the antimaterial sky, a sky which is mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita as sanatana-dhama, or the eternal nature.
- Exactly as material atoms create the material world, the antimaterial atoms create the antimaterial world with all its paraphernalia. The antimaterial world is inhabited by antimaterial living beings.
Cultivation of Antimaterial Activities
To enter the antimaterial world, one must practice "antimaterial activities" while still in the material body. These activities are identified as bhakti-yoga, or devotional service. Just as medicine cures a disease, engaging in spiritual activities cures the soul of its material contamination and prepares it for its eternal destination.
- The Bhagavad-gita recommends that one adopt the means of devotional service, or anti-material activities, if one wishes to enter the anti-material world.
- What are these antimaterial activities? They are medicines. For example, when a man falls ill, he goes to a physician who prescribes medicines which eventually cure the suffering patient.
- The individual living being can very easily enter the antimaterial world by practicing antimaterial activities while residing in the material world.
Conclusion
The discovery of the antimaterial particle is the perfection of science, but as Śrīla Prabhupāda notes, this discovery is already fully elaborated in the Vedic literature. By understanding that we are not the perishable material body but the indestructible antimaterial soul, we can redirect our energies. The goal of human life is to cease material activities and engage in antimaterial activities, thereby qualifying ourselves to return to the eternal antimaterial world where life is blissful and free from death.
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 Antimaterial. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.