Kṛṣṇa - The Source of Both Material and Spiritual Worlds
The Vedic conception of God is not limited to a remote creator but encompasses the entire cosmic manifestation. Śrī Kṛṣṇa is the energetic source behind all energies. Just as a fire distributes heat and light in all directions, the Supreme Personality of Godhead expands His internal and external potencies to create the spiritual and material worlds. This article examines the relationship between these two energies and how the living entity, situated between them, can find ultimate shelter.
Origin of All Energies
It is a common misunderstanding to separate the creation from the creator. The philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness teaches that everything—matter and spirit—emanates from Kṛṣṇa. He is the maintainer and proprietor of all spheres. While the spiritual world is His eternal abode, the material world is also a transformation of His energy, generated for the specific purpose of allowing conditioned souls to attempt enjoyment separate from Him.
- As a fire, although existing in one place, can expand its light and heat everywhere, so the omnipotent Lord, the Supereme Personality of Godhead, although situated in His spiritual abode, expands Himself everywhere, in both the material and spiritual worlds, by His various energies.
- One must understand that the Supreme Personality of Godhead is factually the original source of both matter and spirit.
- All the manifestations that we see, and everything that exists both in this material world and in the spiritual world, are resting on the energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Marginal Position of the Living Entity
The living entities (jīvas) are described as the marginal potency of the Lord. This means they are situated on the borderline between the spiritual and material natures. While constitutionally spiritual, their marginal position allows them to interact with the material energy. This dual relationship explains the struggle of the conditioned soul and the necessity of taking shelter of the superior, spiritual energy to find true satisfaction.
- Sri Sanatana Gosvami asked Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, "Who am I?" In answer, the Lord replied - You have a relationship with both the material and the spiritual world; therefore you are called the marginal potency.
- You are situated between the material and spiritual potencies. You have a relationship with both the material and the spiritual world; therefore you are called the marginal potency. You are related with Krsna as one and simultaneously different.
Success in Both Spheres
A unique feature of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is that it does not demand the artificial renunciation of the world but rather its dovetailing in the service of the Lord. When one engages in devotional service, their life becomes perfect. They do not lose their material assets; instead, those assets are spiritualized. Thus, a devotee achieves the highest benefit in this life and the next.
- Yudhisthira said, "If one takes to Krsna consciousness, his life becomes fulfilled both materially and spiritually."
- Everyone-whether akama (a devotee), sarva-kama (a karmi) or moksa-kama (a jnani or yogi) - is encouraged to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead by the direct method of devotional service. In this way one can get both material and spiritual profit simultaneously.
Vision of the Pure Devotee
For a realized soul, the distinction between "material" and "spiritual" fades because they see everything in relation to Kṛṣṇa. In the spiritual world, or in the mood of Vṛndāvana, everything is dedicated to the Lord's service. Therefore, a pure devotee utilizes material things without attachment, understanding their true spiritual origin and purpose.
- Brahma said, "In Vrndavana there is no distinction between material and spiritual because everything is dedicated to Your loving service."
- By contrast, a pure devotee like King Kulasekhara has complete knowledge of both matter and spirit. He does not say that everything material is false, yet he has nothing to do with anything material, from heaven down to hell.
Conclusion
Understanding that Kṛṣṇa is the source of both material and spiritual worlds resolves the conflict between renunciation and enjoyment. The material world is not false, but it is temporary and inferior; the spiritual world is eternal and superior. By connecting with the source, the marginal living entity can transcend the influence of the inferior energy and live happily in the superior energy of the Lord, finding fulfillment in all aspects of existence.
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 Both Material and Spiritual. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.