The Architect - From Cosmic Design to Individual Destiny
In the Vedic paradigm, an architect is more than a designer of buildings; they are the conscious force that shapes matter according to a specific plan. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that whether it is the celestial Viśvakarmā building palaces for the demigods or an individual soul creating their own future, the principle of conscious design remains central to understanding the universe.
The Spirit Soul: Architect of the Body and Destiny
Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the analogy of the architect to explain the relationship between the soul, matter, and karma. Material elements cannot organize themselves; they require a living force—the soul—to manipulate them. Furthermore, through the exercise of free will, the soul acts as the architect of its own destiny, designing a future of happiness or distress based on the quality of its present actions.
- There is a small, tiny spirit soul, the engineer or the architect, who takes the matter and decorate it and creates a skyscraper building. That is our experience. So how we can say that the matter is working automatically?
- By vicious actions, we are put into more and more distressful conditions, whereas by pious actions we place ourselves on the path of happiness. Thus man is the architect of his own material distress or happiness.
- Free choice makes destiny - if I act in goodness, then my future is good. And if I act badly, my future is bad. That is destiny. "Man is the architect of his own destiny."
Viśvakarmā: The Celestial Engineer
In the upper planetary systems, the position of the architect is held by the great demigod Viśvakarmā. He is described as the engineer among the demigods, responsible for designing and constructing the opulent environments of the heavenly kingdom. His lineage and role are specific and well-documented in the Vedic histories.
- Visvakarma is the engineer or architect for the palatial buildings in the heavenly planets.
- Visvakarma, the famous heavenly architect, is known as the constructor of many wonderful buildings in the upper planets.
- From Angirasi, the wife of the Vasu named Vastu, was born the great architect Visvakarma.
Wonders of Cosmic Architecture
The architectural wonders of the universe are not limited to the heavenly planets. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that powerful architects like Viśvakarmā and the demon Maya Dānava possess skills far beyond human capability. They can construct floating cities, forts within the sea, and brilliant subterranean worlds that imitate the heavens.
- The palace had been directly constructed by the demigod architect Visvakarma and was as beautifully made as if the goddess of fortune of the entire universe resided there.
- No ordinary architect could construct such a fort within the sea, but an architect like Visvakarma, who is considered to be the engineer among the demigods, can execute such wonderful craftsmanship anywhere in the universe.
- My dear King, in the imitation heavens known as bila-svarga there is a great demon named Maya Danava, who is an expert artist and architect. He has constructed many brilliantly decorated cities.
Constructing Temples for Kṛṣṇa
Śrīla Prabhupāda practically applied the principle of architecture in the service of the Lord. He engaged his disciples who were professional architects to design temples and communities, such as in Mayapur. In this way, the skill of the architect is purified by being offered back to Kṛṣṇa, under the guidance of the spiritual master.
- My architect-disciple has seen the Temple compound and has made plans how to improve it. Now you should make a draft of the Deed of Gift and send it to me.
- We have got the plans drawn by Saurabha and that architect, Mr. Suri, still, if we have not got sufficient funds and if there is long delay to get them, better to go ahead and build something little cheaper and very simple.
- From Mayapur I may go to Haridasapur and begin work immediately. Our architect has been ordered to make a design plan. The boundary wall you can begin immediately.
- Offer them nice place to live with the devotees and all prasadam and other conveniences should be offered to them. And in return they will see to the materials, labor, architects, etc., and give you their expert advice in all matters.
Conclusion
The identity of the architect serves as a powerful analogy for understanding the relationship between spirit and matter. From the cosmic designs of Viśvakarmā to the personal destiny crafted by every human being, the directive force is always the conscious living entity. By recognizing ourselves as the architects of our own fortune, we can choose to design a future based on spiritual knowledge rather than material entanglement.
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 Architect. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.